Tag Archives: Professional Dance Scene

INTERVIEWING RICHY SQUIRREL JACKSON

Posted on 2012/10/02 | Leave a comment

I was able to grab a quick interview with the man himself, Richy Squirrel Jackson, whose new reality television show Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition hitting Lifetime TV October 9 promises to be full of high-kicks and even higher drama. Richy is the man behind the brilliant choreography of Lady Gaga and has worked dancing alongside many a star including the amazing Laurianne Gibson. Richy perches on the judge’s pew with Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin and Dance Moms maven Abby Lee Miller for television’s latest dance competition show. We can’t wait to watch the magic unfold.

Anything that has the words reality or Abby Lee Miller in the description can be assumed to be chock full of tears, cheers and jeers. Not everyone agrees with the way that dance floor ringmaster Abby Lee Miller from Dance Moms (on the same network) handles her students and performers. It’s very tough love. Take it or leave it. With the stage comes crazy “stage moms” and in AUDC. I feel certain they will be in brute force wanting their little Mischa or Giselle to leap to the top as quickly as possible. Cross Abby’s tell-it-like-it-is-her-way-or-the-highway temperament and fame hungry young performers driven by their mom and sparks will create fireworks of pure guilty pleasure television. Setting the DVR now!

Here’s what cute and cuddly Richy Squirrel had to say about a taste of recent fame, his new show on Lifetime TV and what we viewers can expect from the surefire reality hit he’s poured his heart and soul into making happen! Because of strict confidentiality clauses and contracts, he’s quite limited in what he can say regarding certain aspects of his professional career. I respect that. I admit that I don’t like it, but I can respect it. We want to know it all! Here’s the talented one telling it like it is in his words…

Steven Michael - Care to share an early career moment that made you the performer you are today?

Richy Squirrel Jackson – “When I first touched down in L.A., I can remember immediately taking dance classes because that was the thing to do. Soon after, I noticed that my personal dance style and approach to choreography began to change and I began to perform like everyone else. So I stopped taking classes and continued to work on myself as a dancer/performer and this led me to feel more confident in what “I” bring to the world of dance as a performer.”

When the spotlight is off, where is Richie and what is he doing? What’s your off-time like and who is around you?

“When the spotlight is off… Richy is definitely checking out a movie, relaxing at home, spending time with friends or doing absolutely nothing. This business is 24/7, so off time is precious and in that sense doing less is so much more for me. Weekends aren’t really weekends and holidays become just another name for a day.”

Do people recognize you on the street and what’s that like for you?

“Yes people recognize me on the streets and for me it’s great! I take pictures, get asked questions about jobs, people dance in front of me or they just shout out “5-6-7-8,” Ha- Ha! It’s always a good time for a minute or two out of my day!”

We were heavily involved with the dance workshop circuit when I was a teen. Did you do the dance competitions when you were younger like Tremaine and Showstopper? Is Abby’s new show like that? What can we expect this first season?

“When I was younger I was in a dance group and I choreographed the local cheerleading team. Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition is more like her own version of competitions that actually take place in the world of competitive dance. It takes a brand new direction from where Dance Moms began with the kids competing individually for the chance at $100,000 as well as a prized scholarship to the Joffrey School of Ballet in NYC. This really creates a competition unlike any other. You’ll see the struggles and triumphs throughout the season as well as what it takes to be the last one standing on the stage… more than you realized!”

After working with Abby on AUDC… How do you feel about her teaching methods that are portrayed on Dance Moms? Do you feel the cameras portray her genuinely and do you agree with her way of handling her girls on TV?

“After working on AUDC I realize that Abby’s teaching methods are good-old-fashion tough love. Dance Moms portrays her just as she is, only it’s hard to understand when you see these young children. Abby’s methods are much like that of a coach of a sports team and though it isn’t the way I may handle situations, the outcome is still great! I respect and have much love for Abby!”

I agree with you on the aspect that Abby wants the most out of her girls. Though it’s not anything that I’m familiar with in my dance training. Are you able to take or teach dance classes with you busy schedule? I live in Palm Springs and unfortunatley there’s limited resources unless you drive to L.A. or take Zumba. I miss it but am choreographing a new artist for Gay Pride and competing for a male entertainer title in March so I do what I can do. What’s you favorite style of dance?

“My schedule has become very busy. I have little time even for myself. I’ve always felt that booking a job, to work for me as a dancer on any of my projects is the best class you can get. You get to learn, you get to dance, and… you get paid!”

Do you find downfalls of doing reality television? Any invasion of privacy issues you deal with? Just curious.

“I don’t find any downfalls in doing reality television. I actually really enjoy doing reality TV simply because all you have to be is “you.” There are no scripts or characters to play. It just empowers you to be your true self and to be confident in you who are and what you have to say. Make wise choices.”

What makes you happiest ever?

“I am truly happiest when I’ve completed choreography for a live performance, video, etc. and see that my vision for the piece was well received by not just the artist but those who are attached to the project as well and more importantly, the artists’ fans.”

What can you tell me what I didn’t ask you?

“I love choreographing and being a visionary. I’m so happy and grateful that I have been able to turn my passion into a career. Never ever give up on your dreams!”

I want to send a big hug out to Richy for being part of my domain and taking a few minutes to share his life with us! Loved his answers and amazing wicked talents. Catch Ricky Squirrel Jackson on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition on Lifetime TV October 9 or catch him on his Twitter or Facebook pages!

And KEEP DANCING!

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Posted in DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY, FIERCE TELEVISION, HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, REALITY TV RECAPS

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BACKSTAGE AT SYTYCD SEASON 9 PREMIERE

Posted on 2012/07/12 | Leave a comment

If you’re a fan of the Fox TV smash So You Think You Can Dance then I bet you’ve always been curious on what happens backstage and in-between commercial breaks. The good stuff that we viewers are rarely privy to, until now…

Here’s the real Tea about the show broken down in chronological order. While I worship some details I’m malnourished on others because perhaps the live performance left me feeling as such. Being a choreographer and dance teacher I don’t always agree with what the judges say but they’ve yet to ask me to sit along with them, so that’s that. The crowd has their favorites, America too! Of course when it’s all said and done the final decision really is down to us, the voting public. Yeah, right. Political correctness, you know!

After receiving my show vouchers from the lottery off the On Camera Audiences Facebook page, I made plans to drive in and catch the show, see BFF Brian and walk on Malibu Beach a bit before heading back to the swelter of Palm Springs. I made an impromptu decision to drive in Tuesday evening after work and wake up with the sound of Pacific Ocean waves crashing through my open windows at Brian’s place in Malibu. Sounded delicious.

Wednesday involved some running around 3rd Street Promenade for a spot of light shopping and lunch on the beach. I rinsed off the saltwater and got dressed for SYTYCD which started at 3:30 p.m. according to the email I had printed out. I had been previously to see the show taped live during the season Benji Schwimmer won when he was dancing with the fabulous Donyella. If you haven’t seen his interview on YouTube about the being gay, the actual reality of the show and being Mormon then you simply must. I knew even though the letter said 3:30 it mean closer to 2:45. The people seriously line up! Plus with this being the premiere episode of the Top 20 it was the must-see show at CBS Studios yesterday.

2:05 p.m. – Leaving Malibu and the R&R I needed more than I realized. Traffic was fierce for my jaunt up Sunset Blvd. as I headed back into L.A. Gave I-10 the ig due to its unpredictability.

2:55 p.m. – I find myself turning left on Beverly in front of the Genesse gate where my fellow fans wait in the sunshine that was beating down like the spotlight on their favorites inside. The line looked about 250+ deep.

3:05 p.m. – After whipping my car into a parking spot inside The Grove I boot-scoot-boogied my way up Fairfax and then down Beverly to the growing line of audience. The first thoughts of the improbability of me actually getting inside reared their head. I strutted past the long line and found my place at the end trying to figure the best method for a branch of tree shade. I already knew my shaved skull was being braised by the rays of sun. And I was schvitzing considerably from the brisk stroll from the car and scorching summer heat.

3:12 p.m. – Sydney, a rep from FOX, has 2 tickets to go inside VIP for anyone with the knowledge and a voice to answer the question, ‘Who was last week’s guest judge?”

3:13 p.m. – I shout out the first female name that comes to mind Debbie Allen since she was on during the auditions she was my immediate thought. Plus, the heat was making me desperate for an actual ticket. Sydney told me know and asked again focusing on the group of quiet girls in front of me.

3:13 1/2 p.m. – “Zooey DeChannel” I shouted out after thinking it quickly through in my head. Since I was alone she gave the other ticket to one of the girls and I headed inside the grocery store to cool off and grab water. I now had a few minutes before meeting Sydney at Gate C.

3:15 p.m. – Found myself untucking my shirt, wiping out sweat from areas and perching in the freezer section to chill out around the corner at the market. Wasted time roaming the store realizing my husband would have loved that.

4:00 p.m. – Headed through the security gates backstage. Left phone in the car since they collect them upon entrance. We were ushered in soon after past a huge group of people sitting and watching us.

4:15 p.m. – Settled in seat and meeting the couple next to me. Tom and some lady. I sort of felt he was hitting on me but I tend to be narcissistic like that. Please excuse. The next moments consisted of various production people running about, groups of girls squished into small spaces on the sides of the stage and I was thankful again that I had a seat ticket. Plus the woman that got my other ticket told me once she sat and we started dishing that they cut the line right before the place we were standing. I was lucky to be inside.

4:50 p.m. – Judges to the table . Screams and shouts ensue. A comic relief keeps the crowd going with Boyfriend and One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful music causing squeals and eye-rolls from yours truly. An obvious group of production assistants were positioned around us. The one beside us was reading Entertainment Weekly and writing every single thing down that happened on stage from what was said to routines and music. I assumed he was a blogger for the show. They were all on their iPhones and Blackberry devices.

4:55 p.m. – I made the final decision that the dress code listed in the email must have been a typo since everything I saw that was banned was sitting next to me. High-heels, blue jeans and shorts. I looked good that’s all I knew.

5:00 p.m. – A wonderful pre-taped group performance opens the show. Cat Deely gets positioned in death-defying stilettos and a creme minidress. She is stunning and quirky and approachable. That’s why she works as host. During the show between commercial breaks she will nibble on Red Vines and continually worry about her teeth.

5:05 p.m. – The first pan of the audience I see me standing arms in the air clapping. I continue to look for myself.

5:06 p.m. – Dancers enter solo and the crowd is so loud you couldn’t hear Cat say their names. Legs are to there and performers spin like tops.

5:08 p.m. – Nigel begs for America to vote for favorites and shocks with the announcement of four eliminations next week. 2 boys and 2 girls.

5:09 p.m. – Love “firecracker” Whitney who starts off the night of erratic 9 second bios. Chehon needs some hip-shaking help while Louis Van Amstel encourages masculinity. Whitney’s fringe piece is fabulous as she luckily dances her style. She is on the Hot Tamale Train right out of the gate. Love the number overall. My husband comments why the west coast can’t vote.

5:15 p.m. – Chelon’s number comes up and it says GO-HIM which I found slightly religious. Well, it is Fox TV.

5:21 p.m. – Sonya Tayeh choreographs.  Amazing twist up to his side. Mary is breathless and worships about the dancers’ surrendering. George has an amazing ass and danced phenomenally with Tiffany. Great routine. Kenny Ortega continues the worship of Sonya and relives memories.

5:33 p.m. – NappyTabs choreograph. Tabitha was glowing. She looked amazing dressed in red. Routine theme: alcoholism. Didn’t like this one. Sorry to say. I’m weird about these story hip-hop performances. He is sexy but she was too soft. Yawn. Moving on.

5:37 p.m. – The girl next to me asks if Nigel and Mary dated because he is always making comments about his liking of her. I replied, “I really don’ t think so.”

5:38 p.m. – Group standing on the right side is instructed to move out of the way while scaffolding is moved onstage by a forklift while the commercials are happening.

5:44 p.m. – Alexa and cutie Aussie Daniel begin a boring jazz routine dressed in red. The scaffolding fills up time. I like her blown out. I feel she’ll be going home first. Sadly, they have no chemistry.

5:54 p.m. – Amber is fierce in blonde hair and turns out a Viennese Waltz with Nick who picks his genre ballroom. Love the version of Nights In White Satin by Tina Arena they do. I loved this number! Pan to Dance Moms leader Abby Lee Miller.

6:05 p.m. – Frontrunner Amelia  dances with goofy Will in a NappyTabs “Character-Pop.” LOVED THIS! The Lovecats by The Cure provided the perfect soundtrack. They were really entertaining.

6:15 p.m. – We are seeing Janelle being stretched beyond belief by Dareian who is a little hottie during an African Jazz piece. This was really HOT! Their energy was incredible!

6:26 p.m. – Announcement about Dizzy Feet National Dance Day. Looks fun!

6:28 p.m. – Eliana dances with Cyrus who I just knew would be getting something like this Tyce Diorio Broadway number from Hairspray something as nontraditionally easy to keep him around a few weeks because let’s face it, he will be eaten up in harder choreography. He did a commendable job and she was good, too. I’m weird about Broadway numbers. The crowd loves Cyrus.

6:32 p.m. – I see me behind Tyce acting really crazy. (I’m to his upper left.) I rise up out of my seat and make sure I’m seen. I loved it. Shameless.

6:39 p.m. – Travis Wall shines with Ryan Gossling-looking Matthew and Audrey in this Titanic inspired production. This was wonderful! Travis Wall never disappoints. Am looking forward to his new reality show on Oxygen at the finale of the month called All The Right Moves. Standing ovation by judges. Rightfully so. The pairing was fierce. The leap was awesome of the chaise lounge although she almost lost her footing going up.

6:49 p.m. – Lindsay turns the paso doble with Cole. His body is rocking! Best routine of the night, perhaps?! IT WAS FIERCE! Powerful and strong. Could enjoy watching it over and over. Standing ovation! Deservedly.

And what actually happened backstage? I’m guessing dance belts were cutting off the circulation of the males and the females were primping in the mirror and over- stretching past points of comprehension. Nerves got to some while others looked at it as a breeze. Each person backstage would have a different version of the reality. And like them, this has been mine.

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Posted in DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY, FABULOUS TRAVEL, FIERCE TELEVISION, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, PALM SPRINGS, REALITY TV RECAPS

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CHOREOGRAPHY REEL 2012

Posted on 2012/06/25 | Leave a comment

I had an Über-productive weekend. My book got needed attention, my body had a great workout and I was able to blog, swim, watch 2 movies (John Carter – horrid! and Chronicle – decent!) and relax, too! However, the exciting production of creating my new choreography reel on iMovie for Apple MacBook Pro was a true highlight. I’ve wanted to get back into dance but haven’t decided to what capacity. I knew a reel of my best choreography would be a must! After dabbling on my MacBook on Friday with a clip I took of the Las Vegas Strip I felt confident that I could make the program work for me. I spent all weekend figuring it out and am thrilled with the outcome! I plan on producing more video clips and montages but for now, I’m happy with what I have. After a bit of research on other choreography reels I’ve noticed what I’ve done is quite comparable. A bit long and camera work a bit shoddy, however, the moves and motions are there. Enjoy!

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Posted in DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY, HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, PALM SPRINGS

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MUSIC CITY USA – NASHVILLE NOW

Posted on 2012/06/06 | Leave a comment

Sometimes I think I should become some sort of travel administrator and know-it-all go-to. I can find a great flight deal by scanning the sites and making quick comparisons between which days to leave versus price and seat difference. Call me Kayak. Give me an aisle seat so I can entertain my bladder at its whim of activity, a good stretch opportunity and a decent fair ($309 this round) and I’m cranked ready to travel the (hopefully) friendly skies.

Traveling makes me feel quite “Randy” so I can truly appreciate all the single men traveling alone glancing my way and giving it a butch nod. Makes for sweet dreams when I’m snuggled beside them in my aisle seat. American Airlines delivered me to BNA Music City via a relaxing layover in Dallas/Fort Worth DFW, both ways of the round trip. This gave me enough time to cruise through the terminals and SkyLink transit system where I had food at T.G.I.Fridays and a good cocktail, too!

After grabbing my bag off the conveyor belt at baggage claim I pressed it down to Enterprise to obtain my reserved rental car. I usually carry my bag on with me when traveling these days because of the exorbitant fees but decided this time to splurge and check it in Palm Springs. When I made it through BNA into the garage with my rolling suitcase in tow where the cars sat I was offered an upgrade for a sports car. I inquired about an increase in my bill and the sales rep admitted that yes there would be a charge.

After telling him that I was fine and last time they upgraded me to a Jeep Patriot with no charge, he then offered me an upgrade to either minivan or truck. Unable to refuse any type of freeness or upgrade, I figured the minivan could come into use if mom wanted to donate stuff from her apartment so I chose that. I looked like quite the soccer dad driving this white minivan around like it was my Stella Stang back in Palm Springs. I paid it nada and ran those streets of Nashville as if it were a sports car.

Once I checked into the Radisson near the airport I rinsed the travel off me and unpacked my crammed-in clothing begging to be released from its luggage dungeon. I had been doing some research on where to stay before departure and came across a dear friend who I’ve known for over two decades. Bobby has been in the hotel industry for years and our dear friendship truly came into play when I made my reservation at his hotel. The location was slightly closer to mom than where I usually stay with less traffic from the Brentwood route. The Radisson has free Internet, free parking, spacious comfortable rooms, an indoor pool plus fitness facility and a restaurant on property. It’s my new home when in Nashville.

I always have a great time when I return to Nashville. I reconnect with good friends, take my mom out and about for a few days and it gives me time to miss and appreciate the comfortable bubble that I live and work in here in Palm Springs. My mom still works full-time and is a single gal at 68 but doesn’t get out much unless I come into town or someone takes her. I love driving her around Nashville and letting her see what’s happening in the city. We shop, eat good southern food and have a ton of laughs and a few cries along the way.

I love that we are close and have a strong bond. People ask if I dread going back home to Nashville and I can honestly say I love and enjoy my time there. It took me a few years after leaving at 22 to having any desire about returning but the older, err, better I’ve gotten the more I want to go back. My mom has a lot of life in her still. I’m glad I’m able see that in person and am able to visit home as much as I do.

I dropped her back home after a heaping pile of BBQ at Bar-B-Cutie on Saturday and ran back to the hotel before heading out for the evening. After a quick change of drag the minivan purred down the interstate toward West End. I decided to take a detour through 2nd Avenue which is where the honky-tonks and straight country music listeners are pouring out of bars and clubs. Mistake. Construction had everything in a scrambled chaotic mess and cars were going every which way. I was so glad I had good music in the stereo and a delicious valium that was just easing into my system to get me through the killing.

Arriving at PLAY, I walked in during the middle of the show so I did get to see all of the girls perform at least once. After paying the exorbitant $10 cover to get into PLAY I made sure I got my money’s worth. Yes, $10. Shazy… (Shady + Crazy.) Shady of them for charging it and crazy for me to pay it. Hopefully they pay the girls well like they truly deserve. After a few stiff drinks I didn’t really care about the cover charge anymore. I soaked up the exciting night out and let it all go.

The show was fun because I had the best seat in the house even getting there late. I strutted through the packed crowd and tipped every girl a couple of ones and stayed perched in front of everyone I had just pushed through. I didn’t give a fuck if they liked it or not. No one was going to say a word to me at that point. I was feeling my moment taking pictures of the girls while they performed and living for the up close and personal aspect of it all. Like I said, I had a couple of cute drinks and did I mention the delicious Valium?

Of course, I could let it all go because I was basically invisible. No one really talked to me or looked my way other than the entertainers I knew so I was able to relax and pay it nooch. Translation: Not very much, without a care in the world. I spent much of my time after the show chatting with Jack Ryan on the phone sitting next to some chick who had smartly brought her iPhone charger and was plugged-in chatting the chat down with someone on her other line.

Times have truly changed from the days of going out and cruising around, picking up someone and leaving together to today’s social networking and constant glare of LCD light coming from Smartphones being used across nightclubs. I’m not knocking it because it truly saved me next door at Tribe the next night as I perched quietly as the one of only five people in the bar including two bartenders. I sat in my patheticness and laughed at the whole thing while taping away on time-killers Grindr and Scruff. Boring. Flakes continually looking for something else. Especially Grindr. Delete from phone.

Sunday, mom and I had our breakfast at Cracker Barrel and afterwards I pressed it down to Murfreesboro for a regional competition for Showstopper Dance. I met my three loves Christie, Stacey and Shanda who I danced with in Nashville where we all grew up together. They are super special to me and we are blessed to still have a tight bond to this day. The dancers onstage were all over the board in fierceness or flatness but overall there were some amazing routines and performers. I’m so glad I made the trek down. It inspired me to continue with my plans on making a choreography reel.

Back in Nashville, mom had a gift card for Olive Garden so I got to find out what all the fuss was about the breadsticks that you hear about in the commercials. They were tasty but I wasn’t blown away. However, I did have four of them. I believe you can buy them at Trader Joe’s. No Tea – No Shade. The food wasn’t horrible but it definitely wasn’t cuisine found in real Italy. The chairs rolled. Just saying. I had never been to an Olive Garden before…

On Monday I met my best friend from high school Kristy and her wonderful “Babies’ Daddy” and husband Tim for the most soulful of soul food at a place on 12 Avenue South called At The Table. I wanted to find some really good southern soul food and Kristy immediately sent directions to this gem. My mouth is watering just typing these words. As it’s been said before, “These women put both feet up in this food.” Not exactly, but it was so good you will want to slap someone. Classic “meat and three” (but two) handed to you in a styrofoam to-go moment and the experience is priceless. Southern simplicity at its finest. As my dear sister Kristy texted me before arriving, “Fried Chicken Realness.”

Tuesday presented another trip to the Cracker Barrel for a hearty breakfast and some closet cleaning for mom with donations made afterwards by me. I met Bobby for drinks at Canvas later back on West End with his boyfriend Caleb (or Kaleb – not sure) and afterwards we had sushi at Ru San’s. It was really good but the menu was way too complicated. It was so great seeing Bobby and getting to know his boyfriend. I love me some Bobby Smith. I happily flew back to Palm Springs the next day into the arms of the man I love and the furry kisses of the kids I missed.

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Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE

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I CHOREOGRAPH (TO) KIM KARDASHIAN

Posted on 2012/04/29 | Leave a comment

I’ve been procrastinating about doing this for a while as I sat on the choreography running my mouth instead of my feet. I’m not 16 anymore. I’m more like 16 + a decade + eight years + another decade. I will always choreograph, either for someone or inside my head. My passions are dance choreography and creative writing. With four blogs going and my second book in the works, I’ve got the writing covered. Unfortunately there’s few opportunities for dance in the valley so I’ve decided to start really focusing on getting my moves and steps out there so hopefully someone will see me and need what I have to offer. I’m available!

I’ve taught various styles of technical jazz dance over the years and enjoy moving dancers into new levels of performance. However, I find that I’m a better choreographer than I am teacher. I want to create the moves, teach them to capable performers and clean the rhythms. It’s hard for me to step back into square one and teach basics. But, and that’s a nice firm tight butt, I will and can teach anyone if they in return give me positive attitudes and passion to be there. (Don’t want to shoot myself in the foot!) Give me intermediate to advanced students with energy and pizazz, and we’re gonna rock. Just being honest…

REALITY STAR KIM KARDASHIAN SINGS!

JAM (TURN IT UP)

The song “Shake” (on the YouTube video above) is one I’ve had for a few years. Kim Kardashian claims she had nothing to do with this but my friend DJ Bifford Michael informs me otherwise. Though, Kimmy has taken to the microphone and released “Jam (Turn It Up)” as a first single available here but offers that she’s not starting a singing career. Regardless, I like “Shake” a lot even though it’s been panned considerably. I enjoy what the the beats and grooves offer me as a choreographer (and forever showgirl.)

I felt like this take of the video worked best of the three I filmed. Not bad for an old man. I thought I handled my stamina during the filming very well considering I’m not in class regularly. However, it was after we stopped that it felt as if a small hammer was pounding from the inside of my chest trying to bust through by lungs. Wow… It was intense. But bitch can still move! Trust. Now, that’s the Tea.

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Posted in HOTTEST MUSIC REVIEWS, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, PALM SPRINGS, THE DREAMCHASERS

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WHY “DANCE MOMS: MIAMI” DOESN’T WORK (FOR ME!)

Posted on 2012/04/05 | Leave a comment

It really is a shame that the one episode I sat through of Dance Moms: Miami turned me off so much we immediately snapped it off the DVR recording schedule and didn’t look back. The premiere that aired on Lifetime TV “Television for Women and the Men who don’t date them” didn’t impress me much. Sure, the dancers are amazing but I found them slightly arrogant. I can’t believe I’ll say this but the second in the series of the franchise doesn’t have the charm of the girls in Abby Lee Miller’s Dance Moms. The Miami moms seem incredibly ruthless and I hope their actions don’t push their children away from them with resentment. I really disliked the moms on Dance Moms: Miami. Truly.

I’d rather wait and see if Abby Lee Miller returns after her emotional breakdown over Maddie’s forgetful breakdown on stage in her spring finale departure in Dance Moms. Wasn’t that something?! She was a hot mess, Miss Abby was. Good for the mothers for standing up (finally!) to her. We get it. Maddie is an amazing performer, I agree, but alright Miss Chloe for the Joffrey Ballet offer! That stirred the drama pot, a bit. Chloe is delightful! Her solo “Black Sun” (I believe it was called) was really sick (in a good way.) I’m so tired of that Cathy from Candy Apples pulling her shade. I’m with Christie, “Go away.”

At the cost of the dance, souls are offered for fame. Times have definitely changed since my modest days of competitive dance and our teachers weren’t as tough as the one’s we see portrayed on screen. They produce winners, yes. Abby, Victor and Angel are all three super choreographers. But I know as a pubescent dancing Steven Michael, I wouldn’t have handled dancing with them very well. I would have been truly put in my place quickly or found my way outside somewhere else. I know studios trained like the ones we see on television it’s just that we wen’t one of them. Sure we went into long hours of rehearsal but we also stuck with the same routines and perfected them. Not change every single competition. That is insane. My hats off to them for the stamina and discipline. And not having a choice.

I wasn’t sure of Victor and Angel’s background so I ball-changed and pirouetted over to their website and checked their Stars Dance Studio. From what I can see on the show Dance Moms: Miami, Angel is the badass tough guy and Victor plays the good cop until pushed. Their dancer’s extensions and technique is ridiculously unreal. Watching their reel off YouTube and their website blew me away. Literally. I kept looking for the wires that held their legs in places that seem impossible. This phenomenal piece of dance in video is crazy sick! Please watch, and believe in true talent. This is it.

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Posted in HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, REALITY TV RECAPS

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IS DANCE MOMS TOO EXTREME?

Posted on 2012/03/07 | Leave a comment

Do I think that Dance Moms is too extreme? In a word, Very. (fade out)

ABBY LEE MILLER CREATES STARS WHLE CRUSHING SPIRITS

No, seriously. How could anyone see the show and not think the way Abby Lee Miller treats her students is extreme and bizarre? Tears are shed. Muscles are shred. Yes, she coaches working dancers. Yes, her talented girls on the show Dance Moms are really good. But… the show is so staged and created to choreograph story lines that just seem far fetched and ridiculous at the cost of their children, the pawns in the game of reality chess among the moms, Abby and the producers/editors/writers. A writer in reality television? But it’s unscripted! Yeah, right. Surely you’ve heard slips from the directors from behind the cameras while feeding the girls lines and topics. And I can’t fathom having to deal with someone like Cathy from Candy Apples and her disrespectful unprofessionalism. Obviously she is there for the dramatic effect because she is a snake with a horrid hairdo. She is so wrong it’s still not right.

I danced, choreographed and taught classes. We competed in workshops and competitions just like the girls we watch on the show. It’s just that the dance world I lived in had not evolved into what we watch on Lifetime TV. This chaotic, disrespectful, hurtful, mind-blowing, brainwashing hour of television. The mothers love the warmth of the spotlight often at the cost of their daughters sanity and their  self-respect. Abby is not the only teacher in the area so why go to her if she treats and degrades their girls like Miller does? Because each one of them are ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille – mothers and daughters alike.

The Outrageous Abby Lee Miller

Lifetime TVs “Dance Moms”

One of the girls I used to dance with told me on Facebook that her daughter took from Abby briefly and she is exactly what you see. Brass and brazen. Then she said and I quote, “Miller is a blemish in the dance scene.” Ouch!

DANCE MOMS ON LIFETIME – REALITY TV GUILTY PLEASURE

Every once in awhile I’ll become privy to inside scoop about Hollywood this or Showbiz that. Now being purely hearsay, I recently met someone who’s BFF is one of Brooke’s teachers and told me how much they get paid which is not much considering how well the show is doing. No totals here but I’m told the moms and the daughters get the same each. All of the girls seem to come from different school districts to take at Abby’s and be on the show, and that allegedly the cheerleading tryout for Brooke was completely fabricated. If you can’t trust reality television, who can you trust? (cue laugh track)

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TELEVISION TREASURES

Posted on 2012/01/13 | 2 Comments

Was watching Modern Family last evening and had to rewind when I heard Ed O’Neil’s characters say (and I quote) “Sometimes on the race to the Top you have to grease the pole behind you.” Gay men HAVE to be writing this stuff! The dialogue is too damn priceless. We got a great guffaw and kept watching the smart show. There’s a few sitcoms that catch our attention for repeated viewing like Tina Fey’s brilliant 30 Rock and Courteney Cox’s missing-from-the-lineup-for-too-long Cougar Town. Other than that, not many. 2 Broke Girls with Kat Dennings is really quick witted and I’ve loved her ever since she was the 13-year-old “bat mitzvah beast” going on thirty in the fabulous episode called Hot Child in the City. Great show. It’s one of those I keep on my iPhone so when I travel I can pull it up because Kat’s performance is sick. Loves it…

Then on Lifetime’s smash hit Dance Moms the evening prior I squealed when dance-inatrix (would that be dance teacher + dominatrix?! you get my point)  Miss Abby Lee Miller told her new 10-year-innocent protégé to “Save the tears for your pillow in your room, alone” after she came off stage from her solo that didn’t go as well as expected. Priceless. Oh, the joys of delicious writing. What?! Reality TV  isn’t scripted? Think again, friend. Yes, Abby is extreme but she produces stars and talent like few do so if the mothers allow the training and the kids don’t go running, applause applause, I say. It just started it’s second season of snapping, sassing and we watch intently.

Heading into to work now so I’m instructing you to set your DVR to record some smart and funny writing delivered by the characters that make them famous. And you can quote me on that! Happy Weekend. xoSM

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MY “DANCING WITH THE STARS” EXPERIENCE

Posted on 2011/11/09 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 104

DANCING WITH STEVEN

When ABC’s rating juggernaut Dancing With the Stars premiered thirteen seasons ago the skepticism began. I wasn’t sure how it would fare over time. The show’s UK predecessor Strictly Come Dancing was a smash over seas. However, entertainment transfers to our soil do not always transcend audiences into repeat viewing and support. If it doesn’t involve Kardashians, lip-syncing for your life or desperate public humiliation with a rose ceremony we’re not interested. But as we know now years later, DWTS has captured top spots in the Nielsen ratings becoming a huge success!

I contacted a few connections about getting tickets and luckily two seats were offered. Since the hoopla surrounding Mr. Chaz Bono was so fierce and Miss Carson Kressley was a contestant as well, I thought I’d make an effort to attend a live show in person. Plus, seeing celebrities when the camera is off them is interesting to me. Spoilers ahead so if you don’t want to know the inside scoop, please turn the page. Ah, ha! I knew you couldn’t go anywhere!

After a easy drive into Los Angeles with my pal and confidant John Lustenring, we ran through Japan Town for sushi to-go at Nijiya Market and quickly pressed it to CBS Studios at The Grove. We arrived and without discussion we parked, opened the doors and stripped down into our fancy show clothes. Time was of the essence and we knew that we were pushing it.

The email I had received prior to our arrival confirming the tickets gave the details, where to go, what to wear and the begging of “Please no cell phones.” Whoopsie! Not sure how that ended up in my pocket and not in the car safely. We scooted quickly up the street to Gate C6 and checked in at VIP. Perfect timing as our line proceeded not through the metal detectors where I assume they collected phones but directly between both screeners as a security guard shouted out to someone, “Who are these people?!”

Once inside we were instructed to look for our names on gold chairs. The awe of the studio with the bright lights takes you back because it is quite grand. I looked and looked for our names. And there they were pressed up against the stage, literally. Our seats were next to all of the action and about a chair or two away from the dance floor. And yes, you know I strutted my stuff on that floor. I had to for every dancer who wishes they could. I simply strutted out, posed down, turned and repeat. Just saying.

(Love this photo I snapped of Chynna’s final moments. Brooke and Tom on the side with the entire cast in support of her and what she had accomplished!)

Sitting behind us, I saw where actress Garcelle Beauvais had her Blackberry in tow texting so I figured celebrities were exempt from the no phone rule. I bravely snapped a few pictures during the show considering how close we were but I couldn’t resist. Even before taping began I mistook a bomb-sniffing dog that was being led around the studio as a possible cell phone-sniffing K-9 tattletale. Plus this bitter chick in front of us had her phone grabbed up as she came in and couldn’t get over it. We kept ours on the DL. It was sheer luck we actually got them in by the looks of the circus after the show of people claiming their phones. Pure chaos.

Now here come the true Hollywood stories. The show I attended was the Results Show when Chynna Phillips was excused from her duties after a complete blank-out breakdown the night before. She is gorgeous in person and sat quietly watching from above in Brooke (ultra-petite) Burke’s lounge for the judges scores. After voting Chynna couldn’t “Hold On” for one more day. Rob Kardashian’s ass is equally stunning. Man, he is smoking hot and I hate that expression. Susan Boyle was prerecorded at another time and edited in. No big loss according to the lack of expression from judge Bruno Tonioli who sat rolling his eyes during playback.

The Footloose production with DWTS alum Julianne Hough was really fierce and actually recorded twice before the show began its “live taping.” The set breakdown for that number was quite extensive. Country crooner Blake Shelton performed the title track as dancers tore up the floor scooting boots across wood. Chaz Bono looked more masculine in person and sadly Cher wasn’t there but Adam Shankman, William Baldwin and Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Rubens were. Overall we had a blast and will love going again sometime maybe next season leaving our phones where they belong (wink, wink.)

2011 © PULP

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“DANCING WITH THE STARS” LIVE

Posted on 2011/10/11 | Leave a comment

WOW! It’s been a wonderful day, long but exciting. I worked until 1 p.m. when I punched it to Los Angeles with co-worker/dog-sitter/confidant John to see ABCs Dancing With The Stars, or DWTS to those in the loop. A good friend in the entertainment industry hooked me up with tickets that led us to some fierce seats next to the stage, all VIP. I was living as we were quickly escorted to our seats literally against the stage. Here are some highlights in a nutshell… Julianne Hough looks GORGE in person and she rocked the stage! Rob Kardashian’s ass is deep-delish with a capital BAM! The set, stage and sound stage C6 at CBS is amazingly grand and awe-inspiring. Celebrities in attendance: Adam Shankman, Garcelle Beauvais, Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Rubins, yummy Blake Shelton performing, Brooke Burke-Charvet looking petite and stunning with a snatched-back ponytail, Yours truly dressed in a pink Brooks Brothers shirt for National Coming Out Day in support of LGBTs Carson and Chaz who looks more masculine in person than in media, Chaz not Carson. The crowd is really there for Chaz Bono! Very supportive. The evening was fun and I’m thrilled we had the chance to go in and watch a taping of DWTS. There’s more details to follow but I’m worn from hand-clapping and dancing on my feet to Footloose twice (that production was taped two times) and driving back late this evening luckily in the carpool lane with a pass through Japan Town for sushi and Krispy Kreme’s on the way home. Was sorry to see Chynna Phillips go because she is beautiful and unfortunately last evening was not her night. And on that note… Good Night!

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