You're Only As Old As You Feel

I feel pretty fucking old.

2011 marks the 20th (!) anniversary of Lollapalooza, or Lollapallopla, as Sissy likes to call it. I remember raging against my mother for not allowing me to go in 1992, not speaking to her for days.  Yes, I was a moody, sullen grungey teenager. Big brother went, and like a good big brother, he brought me my cherished Pearl Jam tshirt.  After presenting a 10-point argument about why I should be allowed to go, and assuring her that her fears that crowd-surfing would lead to me being carried off by a group of men to be gang-raped were bat-shit crazy irrational, my mom finally relented in 1993... perhaps out of sheer exhaustion. My best friend at the time and I convinced her parents to take us (former flower children, it really wasn't all that hard). While the lineup wasn't as great as the year before, my first concert of MY chosen music style rocked, and rocked hard.

Oh, New World Music Theater in Tinley Park... I knew you well!  I slid down your impromptu lawn-seat mudslide, I moshed in you, I raged in you... all at the tender age of 14. 

I'm not 14 anymore. I'm all grown up. So's Lollapalooza.

While I was a hearty concert-goer and have attended MANY concerts since that first show, I never got a chance to go back to Lolla, until this year.  I knew it had become a Chicago institution in the past few years, but I just... eh. Hated people for a while, I guess. I avoided the Loop at all costs during the show dates, so I didn't really know what it has grown into.

What the hell happened to that crazy little traveling show?!  It's HUUUUUUUGE. 90,000 people a day, this behemoth takes up the same amount of ground space that the Taste of Chicago does. It's surprisingly well-organized. The Port-a-Potties (and y'all know how I feel about public bathrooms) were... decent... the drinks were cheapish, the stage times were well thought out.

I decided to go again this year when I saw that Deadmau5 was playing on the final day.  Normally, I consider music to be a communal experience. While I live alone and do a lot of things solo (insert your own masturbation joke here), I've never gone to a concert by myself.  Well... very few people in my life have followed me down my little House Music rabbit hole, and just about everyone wanted to avoid a steamy, smelly band of hipsters like the plague. No one wanted to go with me.  Suck it, each and every one of you. I went Sunday, and I had a blast.

Like any proper summer festival, a monsoon hit, and I got soaked, and I have suffered the loss of a truly fine pair of Converse.  I will say that one major change in a concert going experience is watching people experience life through the screen of their smartphones.  Some kids (and for the first time in my life, I really see them as KIDS) literally never put their phones in their pockets and just enjoyed the experience.

While my phone didn't make it out all that often, here's my Lollapalooza 2011 in pictures.

I may have attended alone, but I was among friends. Shared a bonding moment as soon as I walked through the gates with these guys, because of my homemade shirt and their heads. I particularly love the Chicago Mau5head.

Several people actually commented that they wanted to buy this. I feel that this vindicates my OCD tendencies.

Sunnier, smellier times watching The Cars with Friend Drew... a friend of AlsoBeth... who I am delighted to find attended ALL THREE DAYS with...

Tannisse...  the Girl Scout of Lolla '11. Hand-held fans, two shirts, 5 Hour Energy, UMBRELLA... you name it, she had it in her Mary Poppins bag. She was fucking PREPARED.

Things started looking a little ominous around 5... then the Storm of the Century, Part 1 hit. Soaked to the bone, it lasted about 40 minutes before letting up briefly, showing a truly killer rainbow.

My phone was wrapped tightly in a bag I grabbed off the ground pre-deluge in the back pocket of my soaked shorts at this particular moment, so this photo is stolen from courtesy of AshliCrowe.

Waiting for the show I had come for was fun. The creativity of Deadmau5 fans awed me.

Then, just as Deadmau5 was hitting the stage, Storm of the Century: The Sequel happened. It was fucking epic though. Pounding music, a swelling crowd, brand new, huge light show, pouring rain and swampy mudpuddles up to my ankles... I loved every minute of it. I discovered the best part of my age last night... I'm confident to be there, by myself, to not care, and just have a fucking blast.

I took about 40 seconds of film...I wanted to get something for some good shots to remember, and then to just jump around and enjoy the show, so that's where these came from.

Hard work pays off... I was CLOSE. I pretty well got to know a few guys biblically in the crowd (not a whole lot of room up front), but the guy in front of me was tall, smelled good, was cute, and was overwhelmingly polite about making sure I could see. So... you know. Forced rubbing up on him wasn't so bad. *winkwinknudgenudgeI'mACreepyOldLady*

The aftermath:

Via con dios, Converse. You lived a good life. You will be missed.

House music may not be your scene, but it was a blast. I wouldn't steer you wrong... this show was FUN. If anyone wants to come with me to the next show (indoors), let me know. I promise you a good time.

I'm an old biddy. My feet hurt, I'm exhausted, I can't hear a thing, my back was KILLING ME yesterday and I don't know HOW anyone survived all three days... but I was brought back to the better part of my reckless teenage self again: when I was open for anything. When I loved being surprised by a live act that I would normally never have come across, and got an electric thrill from being in the thick of a buzzing crowd. When I truly engaged in something, and wasn't a dried up curmudgeon with a smart-ass judgmental comment for everything.  It turns out some things from your awkward teens are worth holding on to.

In the immortal words of a Maury Povich guest, "Age ain't nothin' but a number."  Fucking poetry, man.

Who Watched So You Think You Can Dance Last Night?

I did!!!! Even though it feels like it's only been about 12 hours since the last season, I'm excited all over again. Especially because it feels like the show is hinting that tap will finally break it's way onto the SYTYCD stage. Did anyone else catch the reference to Singin' In The Rain last night?

If you heard that one tapper reference "Moses Supposes" and aren't the musical geek that I am, the clip above is what he was talking about. I, for one, am excited... I love Mia Michaels, but I'm starting to get sick of all the chest-grabbing contemporary solos.

Sweden Does It Right!!

Except for the terrifying little Monster mascot at the end. Also- that street looked sorta filthy. I will suffer to be in a flash mob, but I'm not sure I want to be covered in little kid urine and old cotton candy.

Dancing Thursdays Has a New SPONTANEOUS Public Dance!

That's right, Fonzipanners... we all know I love me some flash mobs. One question... why can't flashmob producers learn to operate a freaking camera? You're clearly planning this well in advance. Take some time to scope out some good locations for hidden cameras. Plus, there's this thing called a ZOOM lens... use it! This is a promotion that occurred in Times Square last week to promote Chris Kattan's new show on IFC, Bollywood Hero. Is he Indian? Whatever. Apparently he plays himself as he goes to Mumbai for a leading role in a Bollywood film.

Sorta wish I got IFC... that looks like it has promise. Plus, now that we have a few weeks between So You Think You Can Dance seasons (September 9th!), I have a glaring hole in my Wednesday and Thursday night tv schedules. You can only watch so many re-run episodes of House to fill the void.

While we're on the subject of So You Think You Can Dance... I think we've all watched the finale... what did you all think? Once Janette was out of the running for top 4, I lost my vote for number one. I wanted a girl to win, as in the 5 years the show's been running, there was only one female winner, the deserving Sabra. So in one respect, I was happy to see versatile, though less talented Jeanine win.

Let's be honest- Janette should have won. She had the personality, the talent and (I thought) the following to win it all...however, I think the judges praise lost her the crown. Once someone starts becoming a star in the judges eyes, it's like they lose their shine for the audience.

All in all, I'm glad Evan didn't win. He was so outmatched on the stage, and I think even he knew it.

In honor of Janette, my favorite dance with her in it is below, a glaring omission from the finale's recap of the best dances of the season.

I Wasn't That Impressed This Week.

Apparently Daisy has more in common with Sis-In-Law than we ever thought, after she had an allergic reaction to SOMETHING, she ended up with a swollen face that made her look vaguely Asian. Two medications, a twice daily foot soak and 2-3 daily doses of Benadryl later, she's looking like herself again.

So, sorry I didn't get to post ON Dancing Thursday! I wasn't all that impressed with this week's So You Think You Can Dance anyway... a lackluster quickstep and hip hop dancing with your feet in boxes? You can keep it. The girls' Superhero group dance from Sonya was good- despite Nigel creeping out over Jeanine's overexposed cleavage. *shudder*

Since they didn't have any dances I rewound to watch again, I posted one of my favorite group dances, as re-danced on last week's results show: Ramalama. Wade Robson... you are one sexy piece of stage presence!

Since I'm posting after the results show... I won't reveal who is in the finale. I will say, however, I think they made a mistake with the men. I was excited to WATCH this week's finale- what a lovely surprise to see some of the best dances from last season, which was woefully ignored during last week's 100th episode celebration. Did anyone else think that some of the dancers were a touch rusty when re-dancing old favorites? I remember Mercy being so much tighter... and, well, Twitch actually dancing in it. Same with Joshua and Chelsea's tango- the steps just weren't as tight. The only dance that had the same impact was Bleeding Love... so I included the performance from last year here.

Pretty Fly for a White Wedding (see what I did there??)

It took me several minutes to realize that the bridal party ran to the back and danced to the front again, and it wasn't 40 different bridesmaids and groomsmen.

While I question the auspiciousness of walking down the aisle to a Chris Brown song (!), these people seem like good times. That reception was likely a blast.

When Zombies Daaaaance

The dance starts at 5:01... the ONLY copy I could find thus far. I hereby stand corrected on Jason. Maybe it was just Caitlin that was holding him back, because he's impressed the heck out of me the last two weeks... especially in this number. J'ADORE.

Anyone else think they could have whittled this episode down to an hour? Four judges, four dances for each dancer... lots of patter from Cat Deeley- I'm thinking we could have cut out the entire first half and had a better show. It was a ballroom heavy set last night... and boy were the ballrooms almost universally boring. I am typically a fan of ballroom, but it seems that Melanie LaPatin and Tony Meredith were stuck in 1st gear last night... every single dance of the THREE they choreographed was slower than molasses.

I fear for Evan... when the judges ignore your style and begin talking about the fact that you are a poster child for "not everyone has to be a sex bomb", you know you're in trouble. As for the ladies... it's a tough call! Melissa, who I thought would probably be sent home due to her lack of following, ripped the judges panel (and me) to shreds last night with the cancerdance. I defy you not to cry when you watch it. SO... will she win sympathy votes for the cancer scarf?

If she does, my original top four, Janette, Jeanine, Brandon and Ade is unlikely to stand. What did you all think? Was the first half necessary? Did you fall prey to cancerdance emotional manipulation? Was there a point in having Ellen DeGeneres guest judge? Who's going home tonight? HOW ARE THEY GOING TO FIT IT ALL IN ONE HOUR?

So You Think You Can Dance!

Oh Kupono. I REALLY wish you hadn't kinda sucked it up in your Paso Doble. You should be naked all the time, and I'm worried you're going home.

Jason redeemed himself for me, despite the fact that he feels the need to genuinely make out with every partner he has (remember that crappy Bollywood in the first episode?). He and Jeanine really did well with Travis' contemporary, so he's slightly redeemed.

Top dances of the night for me- Ade and Janette (I voted for you Janette!), above, and the Bollywood girls group dance, below. I also enjoyed the Hair tribute Melissa and Brandon did, though at the end they got so overwhelmed with fog you couldn't see them anymore. Also- I can't hear The Age of Aquarius without thinking of Steve Carell. Anyone else?

Spontaneous Public Dancing in Sweden!!

Their camera work sucks... which explains why I've never heard of a popular Swedish movie. But if there is public dancing to be had, Birv is posting it!!

Randi & Evan Are Toast.

It pains me to say it... but Randi and Evan's Samba? Kind of painful to watch. I think it should be Caitlin and Jason (I hate them!!). However, they were solid this week- Jason only mugged to the camera during his dance once, and for the first time this season, Caitlin actually had to rely on her dancing and not her gymnastics to get through a routine. The reason I think they should be booted is that they are one of a million contemporary dancers, and middling ones at best... especially when compared to Brandon, Kayla and Jeanine. The contemporary they did was good, but BORING.

Favorite dance of the night? Kayla and Kupono's, above. I cried... and watched it a couple of times. I was surprised that the judges seemed so lackluster about it- perhaps because it was such a painful subject? Anyone else surprised that they didn't take the chance to leap on Kupono's rehearsal breakdown, and the fact that he was so clearly barely holding it together during the critique?

How about Brandon and Janette, eh?? The Wade Robson piece below was one of two dances I rewound and watched again (the other being Kayla and Kupono's up above)... and that Argentine Tango was flawless!!

Cat-Fish is going to be mad at me, but Melissa and Ade didn't really blow my skirt up this week... despite the fact that the judges practically laid down at their feet. Then again, the judges pretty much found something to like about every single dance last night (with the exception of Kayla and Kupono's dances, as well as Randi and Evan's sizzleless Samba)- it was like watching week 1 all over again. Is it because they're splitting everyone up next week? Swan song praise?

What do you guys think? Did last night's show finally pay off in the dance department? Finally stop being boring? Do you think every single dance deserved to be told it was "AMAZING" and "SO STRONGLY DANCED"?

Sis in Law Asked: "WTF Is the Hot Tamale Train?"

Dancing starts at 2:43. I have a hard time saying this was my favorite dance of the night; unlike the last seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, nothing's really jaw-droppingly good. Or perhaps it's because this season's dancers are at such a level of amazing (outside of Jason and Caitlin- honestly, what do the judges see in these two that I don't?) that nothing really stands out.

But I have to say- Sonya's choreography is dark and broken, and I like that she challenges dancers not to be "pretty". Plus, it's to a zeigeisty Twilight song...you so knew I would post it.

Sidenote: Does anyone else find it suspicious that Philip and Jeanine got a SECOND hip hop routine in 4 weeks? Also that the lone ballerina on the show drew the show's first ever classical pas de deux this week? Random drawing for dance style? I think not.

RIP, Michael

Well do we all remember the heyday of MJ... and even though he certainly became the conductor of the crazy train in recent years, Michael Jackson had a profound effect on EVERYONE.

Fonzipan loves dancing, so I want to give him an apt tribute. While the real Thriller video is unable to be embedded... below is my favorite Thriller outside of the real one.

Goodbye Michael, here's hoping you find some peace.

Dancing Thursdays: So You Think You Can Dance Edition

Best dance of the night, and not just because Mia Michaels is a strange, demanding, perfectionist goddess of a choreographer. The two dancing, Randi (who I did NOT love before last night) and Evan (who I DID love) just killed this. Dancing begins at 2:23.

The only sore spot for me? Who throws brand new LaBoutin shoes around?? Treat those puppies with respect!!

UPDATE: better quality video!! PS... that costume on Evan is really distracting. Hate it!

My Favorite of the Week: So You Think You Can Dance! (Surprise, it wasn't the Bollywood!)

My fave for the night. Dancing begins at 2:02. Watch it before Fox shuts it down (they're funny about copyright infringement... forgetting that YouTube helps them gain viewers). PS, this is dress code for my birthday party next Saturday...dress accordingly.

You Didn't Think I'd Forget About Dancing Thursdays, Did You?

Certainly not!!! But as my favorite dance from last night's So You Think You Can Dance hasn't been uploaded to YouTube (yet)... I am reliving what can only be described as my dream dance with BFF... and I think we both can agree that Alan Cumming would definitely still be a part of it.

Stop: Hammertime! Spontaneous Public Dancing Hits the States!

I got so excited by this I couldn't wait until Thursday to post it!! With the utterly non-sensical Chicago monsoon season, the brillo pad that is my current hairstyle, and the last episode of Pushing Daisies airing on Saturday (no!), I needed a little pick me up. What's better than Spontaneous Public Dancing?

PS- Check out the old Hammerdancer at :54. AWESOME!

Dancing Thursday's Triumphant Return!

I alternate between loving this (that guy's dancing!!) and bemusement at the reality that humans are mostly sheep. I especially love the people that rush over to be joiners AFTER THE SONG IS OVER.

Since this one makes me feel a little dirty inside for posting it, I have to also post my favorite dance from last year's So You Think You Can Dance... the actual dance starts at 1:19, and made me squeal with delight and text BFF: "BOLLYWOOD! THEY'RE DOING BOLLYWOOD!" PS... they pick the new top 20 tonight!! SPOILERS AFTER THE VIDEO...

I am at a total loss for who they're going to pick, most of my favorites from this tryout season were cut (some shockingly! Natalie?! WTF), so I don't even know who to root for.

BFF Birthday Extravaganzapalooza Two: Electric Boogaloo!

As you may or may not know, tomorrow is BFF's birthday... which allows for ample Dancing Thursday Fodder. This may be a blowout of BFF-inspired Dancing Thursday clips...she's having a rough day. Let's all give a little love to the BFF.

You Stupid Tease!

What has two thumbs and is always super excited for new tv? THIS GIRL! I have to say, normally, summer tv makes me die a little inside, what with the inundation of ridiculous reality shows and repeats. That's right, when everyone else is taking advantage of the gorgeous weather, I am holed up grub-like in the dark, directly in front of my air conditioning unit, watching the tv.

This summer seemed to be filled with promise, with a new season of So You Think You Can Dance (I love me some dancing!) as well as a new show from Fox called Glee (from Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy), about a bunch of misfits in the high school glee club (with the voices of angels! See below). Snarky commentary on the harsh reality of one's teenage years? Sign me up. High School Musical versions of Amy Winehouse? I already love it like a fat kid loves cake.

Color me excited- this is a new world of television! I may have found my Pushing Daisies replacement (Kristin Chenoweth is even a repeating guest star)!

Then, in reading Fox's fall lineup, it dawned on me that tomorrow's premiere of Glee is a teaser preview for the FALL SEASON! Dammit Fox! Way to get my hopes up 5 months in advance. My summer hopes are dashed. I'll have to... GASP... go outside and enjoy life. Yikes!

I must say, I'm also intrigued that the lineup shows So You Think You Can Dance as the lead-in show for Glee this fall... is this a super-long season, or are we having two seasons in a row?

Dancing Thursdays: Now Available In Your Happy Meal!

I'm not usually one to post about kids. It's not that I don't like them, I just refuse to ascribe to the notion that all kids are inherently precious. They're not.

HOWEVER. Little British children doing Bollywood? I tumbled.