Hi, Friday...you make me so very happy. I am looking forward to a lovely weekend, catching up on life. I trust you will be doing the same, whoever and wherever you are and may be this weekend. The possibilities are endless, really.
Now let's talk about dancing. (Yes, dancing). When's the last time you cut a rug? It's been a while for me, way too long actually. Let's be honest- I'm not about to go to South Beach and deal with a bunch of drunk people in ill fitting clothes, waiting in long lines,and dancing to music I am not sure I can get down to (unless I have a Patron drip in my arm, that is). But thinking of ideal nights out, I must reference those magic, sweaty days back in the NY, when you went out to places like Body and Soul and Sapphire and the 205 Club and just did your thing. No questions asked. I really need a night like that soon- the world would be a much better place if everyone got down a little more often. Think about it- if more people did a Soul Train line once in a while, I think most of the world's problems could be solved, if not for at least a blissful few moments. All arguments are forgotten if you sashay down a line, I'm sure of it. I have posted vids of vintage Soul Train before on this blog, and for those of you following along, you know how that show had me riveted as a small little girl in Philly and inspired me for years to come. The style, the moves, the whole thing. I come from a family that enjoys dancing- particularly in the 70s growing up when my sister and I would put on our red Danskins, me rocking a side pony natch, and put on shows for our family to the entire "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. I think my jam was Jive Talkin', if I recall. Still funky as hell, that one. And I'm not sure I can ever forget my grandfather jamming out to Michael Jackson and classic Atlantic soul (Ray Charles), or my parents blasting Ike and Tina (Nutbush City Limits) on the outdoor speakers during family bbqs. To this day, whenever we all get together, we manage to get in a dance or two. It's just how we roll.But today I'm listening to some vintage Aretha and feeling like I want to rock steady. Her brand of soul restores my faith in the world. And if I feel that way, many others must feel that way too. So my point is, we should all forget our inhibitions, our grudges, our judgements, the whole lot of negativity and dance more often. Even if you're not a good dancer, just do it. I can't imagine my early days in the city without evenings spent dancing, and pinching myself about how much fun I was having. I didn't even need a partner most of the time. I just found so much joy in the sexy, sweaty vibe of Manhattan, the great music, and the acknowledgment that we were all just there to get down. So this weekend, have yourself a little dance party. It's good for what ails you. Because sometimes you just need to let it all out, and you know this. And that's what's up this freaky Friday in the MIA, party people. Git some. XO (Love this shot by Elaine Constantine...she is awesome at capturing the joy of body movin').