Jookin’…

Dancing is such a great release.

it has always been a part of my life.

My mom, Queen E., was a dedicated ballerina and I took classes for years.

Dance was always an integral part of the music industry and I spent many, many hours at music video shoots where choreography was front and center.

I can bust a move! One of the best compliments I ever received was when I was in Jamaica and the hotel staff told me, “You do not dance like a white woman!”

The other night I was exposed to jookin’.

I attended the Lil Buck show at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater in New York City.

Lil Buck is mesmerizing.

His goal is to take Memphis street dancing and turn it into a recognized art form.

Memphis Jookin’: The Show is an ode to Lil Buck’s hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, birthplace of the singular dance style known as Memphis Jookin’.

He received notoriety and accolades collaborating with Yo-Yo Ma, as well as noteworthy ballet companies and he has been featured in Janelle Monáe’s “Tightrope” video and participated in the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show with Madonna.

All this success occurred after Lil Buck moved to Los Angeles, where he began his career busking on the Santa Monica Pier.

Friday night, Lil Buck danced on point in his high-tops. as described, he effortlessly swept across the floor, doing his version of balletic swan arms, improvising spins on his knees and bowing his legs, his ankles swiveling defying gravity.

The style grew out of a move called the Gangsta Walk, when jookin’ was gaining ground in Memphis.

Lil Buck encountered a local jookin’ expert gliding in a dance circle at the renowned Crystal Palace roller rink and he was immediately hooked.

Lil Buck conceived, produced, assisted with the choreography and stars in the jookin’ show along with a cast of young, talented performers who are very invested in their craft.

I cannot even attempt to describe and dissect the jookin’ moves…it defies words and gravity.

It was freezing out.

After the show ended we raced to a warm restaurant. Surprisingly, most were packed.

We ended up at Bar Boulud and enjoyed a great glass of wine, escargot and a winter salad at the bar.

Satiated, we quickly danced home.

2 Comments

  1. Another good post. Let me know when you offer your next dance performance. I will need two tickets.

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