Friday, December 28, 2007

NYCDA'S FEATURED DANCER OF THE WEEK

Do you know someone that deserves some recognition? Is there someone special in your life that you look up to? Why not nominate them for 'NYCDA'S FEATURED DANCER OF THE WEEK'! Every Monday NYCDA will post information about that week's featured dancer along with their picture. Just shoot an email to nycdancealliance@gmail.com and answer these questions for us!

1. Your Name
2. Your Studio
3. Your City, State
4. Nominee's Name
5. Nominee's Studio
6. Nominee's City, State
7. Why are you nominating this person?
8. Why do you look up to this person?
9. How does this person make an impact on the world around them?

Copy and paste these questions into the body of the email and email us the answers! Please attach a picture of who you are nominating and make the subject of the email 'FEATURED DANCER OF THE WEEK'.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

IF YOU ARE AMONG THE VERY YOUNG AT HEART...

Happy Holidays everyone! Seeing as today is Christmas and this time of year is a celebration of what it means to be young at heart, I thought I would write about music that makes me feel like a kid! I know that it is hard to find new music and even harder to find music that is age appropriate. What does “age appropriate” even mean? In a world where the radio is bringing sexy back and the candyman is droppin’ panties and poppin’ cherries, what is a parent or teacher to do about finding music for younger dancers? Well, look no further. Music Mama is at your service!

First things first, let’s cross the pond. The Queen, Posh and Becks, Fish and Chips, Big Ben. Dance Music! I am in love with what’s been happening over in Jolly Ole England the past few years as far as dance music goes and more importantly music that you can use for your young ones. I know what you’re thinking, “But Music Mama, Amy Winehouse is running around town in her bra refusing to go to rehab!” Take heart, my friends! This is the country that gave us the Spice Girls in their prime and seeing as the circle of life is still in tact, there is a new group of young girls ready to pounce on the throne of Girl Power. They are The Pipettes!


This trio of ladies, backed up by their band The Cassette, dropped their North American debut in October (which means they are still undiscovered by the masses). The girls do sing about bumping and grinding from time to time but I think you’ll find a few gems on their album, We Are The Pipettes. Their sixties inspired pop is comparable to the fun tunes of Hairspray! My favorite songs include Pull Shapes and Your Kisses are Wasted on Me. Give ‘em a whirl. You won’t be disappointed.

If sixties pop isn’t what you need and what you really need is something a little more “Willie Wonka by way of New Orleans" then I've got your number. That is the way ClassCAir reviewed Patrick and Eugene’s Postcard from Summerisle and I couldn’t agree more with that description.


Patrick and Eugene are two blokes with a taste for the eccentric! Their album, Postcard from Summerisle, was released in 2004. You may remember the opening song, The Birds and the Bees, from the VW Rabbit commercial a few years back but if you don’t then give it a listen! I promise visions of little bees in tutus dancing in your head or maybe something a little more Busby Berkeley is in order! Whatever you decide I am sure you will find something fun on this album. Their covers of Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get you Out of My Head and Beyonce’s Crazy in Love are also worth a spin.

Well, it is almost midnight and I have after Christmas sales to hit up bright and early so I should get to bed! Be sure to check back next Tuesday for more mini and junior music suggestions! We’ll stay on this side of the pond next week. I promise!

Lyrically Yours,
Music Mama

PARENTAL ADVISORY: As always, parents should screen first for explicit content on all albums suggested by Music Mama! As certain songs suggested by Music Mama may be appropriate, full albums may not and should be screened accordingly.