What an experience! This past Monday I had an opportunity to dance with the #HundredsUnit at the Sacramento Kings game halftime show! The Hundreds Unit is a network of women committed to creating an environment that is supportive, inspiring and fun. I, along with others, left the performance feeling confident, proud, accomplished and empowered. We built a sisterhood and encouraged each other at every rehearsal. We helped each other with the choreography so that no one was left behind. We were a UNIT! No matter your age, size, background or capability, YOU can be a part of this amazing movement. See our performance below:
The Founder and instructor, Venetia James, came to V101 to talk to us about how she inspires women through dance and how you can become a part of the Hundreds Unit!
You can ask almost any music artist or dancer, “Who is one of your influences?” And no matter the genre, age, race or sex, most entertainers mention Michael Jackson at the top of their list.
Michael Jackson was, in my opinion, the best entertainer ever. Many fans would put on socks and attempt to moonwalk on the kitchen floor (Don’t act like I was the only one!) …People would wear white socks with penny loafers…People would practice his dance moves in the mirror…People would mock MJ’s sound “Yee hee…woooo” …People would wear one glove…People would wear a hat similar to the artist…I would always imagine I was the model strutting in my heels in the video, “The Way You Make Me Feel” video…I performed Thriller with thousands of MJ fans in the Thrill The World dance at L.A. Live in 2009. He was often imitated, but NEVER duplicated…Almost everyone wanted to be like Mike!
It’s been three years since his tragic, sudden death but radio stations all over still remember Michael Jackson. I was in shock when I heard the news. A friend text me, “Michael Jackson died.” I said yea, right. I would NOT believe the news. I started to google search, I watched CNN, and I was in shock! I could not believe the King of Pop had died.
He was preparing for his 2-week “This Is It” tour…and that was going to be it. But it never happened. Today we celebrate his life on television, radio stations, blogs and more. Michael Jackson definitely made his mark on this world. We Never Can Say Goodbye to Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson is gone, but NEVER forgotten. Ever.
The Jackson 5 on Soul Train.
Best of Michael Jackson Performances.
What is your favorite song? Album? Performance? Dance move? Memory?
I woke up this morning to sad news. Soul Train creator, Don Cornelius, was found dead in his Mulholland Drive home to an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.
Before MTV, before BET…there was Soul Train. At a time where Blacks rarely graced television screens, Cornelius created Soul Train and in 1971 the show moved into national syndication. African-American musicians finally got a chance to showcase their music to a larger audience. Artist such as James Brown*, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5* and Mariah Carey* performed on the show. Everyone wanted to be on Soul Train…and Cornelius made that happen!
Stevie Wonder on Soul Train in 1971
While most kids remember waking up on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons, I remember anxiously turning on the tv to catch a new episode of Soul Train! Yes I wanted to see the next, big performer, BUT I looooved the Soul Train Line! The dance is still seen at weddings, parties, family functions and more! I would try to emulate the moves or just watch in awe. The dancers grooved to the beat and ALWAYS had fun! Aside from the dancing, I liked the fashion! From the 70s with the bell bottoms and afros to the 90s with the overalls and baggy clothing. Everyone could see what fashion and dance style was “in” because of Soul Train.
Check out the soul train line!
Don Cornelius was an icon. He made a huge impact on music, trend and culture with the program. People of all ages enjoyed Soul Train. It changed how people saw Blacks and influenced society. So for that, I say thank you Don Cornelius.
We never know what people are really going through so appreciate them while they’re here. RIP Don Cornelius. Gone, But NEVER Forgotten.
House Party was released over 20 years ago (1990 to be exact) and I know people STILL do the dance battle seen in the above video! (Some of you will probably rewind the video just to do the dance lol)… Sigh, they just don’t make movies like they used to.
“Bodega” is a convenience store that has everything you need. So who is Bodega Man? He is an up-and-coming hip hop artist who has everything you need when it comes to music. With a jazzy, smooth beat under raw, meaningful lyrics, he leaves his listeners wanting more after every track.
Bodega Man opened up about what inspired him to write his single, “Inner City Blues” which was sampled from Marvin Gaye’s song of the same title. We also discussed his music, his views on the current state of hip hop and his plans for 2012.
Listen to the full interview below.
Meet Bodega Man.
Check out his video for the single “Don’t Know Where I’m Going”
