Tag Archives: MTV

LXD: Legion of Extraordinary Dancers

Last month Hulu premieredthe online miniseries “LXD: Legion of Extraordinary Dancers” created by Jon M. Chu also director of movies “Step Up 2 & 3D”.  Volume 1 of this 10 chapter miniseries showcases many elements of dance/sport movement on never-before-seen small screen, 360° slow motion cinematography. If you ever thought those accomplished aerial/gravity defying stunts in dance movement were impossible, this series gives you a birds-eye view of this ability. The “dancer” as “superhero” performs Ninja-type choreography, eloquently filmed and slowed so the viewer may marvel at the dancing abilities of these artists in their respective techniques. From B-boying, Popping and Locking, Krumping, contemporary Modern, Tap and Ballet, 10 chapters in total convey 10-13 minute storylines creatively displaying technical feats of various movement vocabulary, through stories of passion, desire, intrigue and revenge. Chu has created dance themes in everyday settings like the high school prom, the hospital, the office, the street, all as backdrops and reasons to display contagious dance episodes. Chu has definitely created a new genre in cinematic dance, making the dancing element the primary focus of entertainment.  

S.Y.T.Y.C.D. ABDC?

ABDC

LEGENDARY, Legends

 

Vogue Evolution courtesy of MTV's ABDC

Vogue Evolution courtesy of MTV's ABDC

It has been eighteen years since the making of the feature film “Paris is burning” the documentary of the sometimes tragic New York City underground Vogue culture. Director Jennie Livingston, spent seven years exposing the thrown away gay/transgendered Black and Latino youth culture that would establish extended families (or Houses) and battle each other in “Balls” through various competitive categories for trophies, cash prizes and notoriety. This 80’s phenomenon was made mainstream by Pop artists Malcolm McLaren and Madonna who featured the Vogue-dance sensations of The Legendary Pepper LaBeija and now deceased Willi Ninja in their videos. 

MICHAEL JACKSON: THE TRUE END OF AN ERA

courtesy soultracks.com

courtesy soultracks.com

I am in utter disbelief at the death of Michael Jackson. In retrospect, he has unselfishly contributed to music, dance and pop culture like no other artist in the world. Having started his career at age 10 to making a comeback this July at age 50 is a commendable effort to his legacy, in a genre of artists who are sampling his music and performance. It is unfortunate that a man of such talents needed to live in exiled seclusion for years in defending his eccentric behaviors and troubled past.

courtesy anneandsteve.org

courtesy anneandsteve.org

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