Dialect Magazine – Page 16 – culture in action

Dancemania: The Best TV Dance Shows of All Time

To dance is to move gleefully in rhythmic delight. Whether it’s done alone or with others, dancing is something that we all love. Join me in this trip down memory lane as I revisit the five most influential dance shows of our time. Strap on those dancing shoes folks!

American Bandsatnd photo credit: classicvintageretro dvds.com — American Bandsatnd
Image Source: classicvintageretrodvds.com

American Bandstand

Hosted by the New York born, Richard Augustus Wagstaff “Dick” Clark Jr., The show featured teenagers dancing to Top 40 music and live performances by popular musical acts.

American Bandstand went through numerous hosts before being permanently replaced by the incomparable Dick Clark. Clark decided to pitch the show to the president of ABC. After some badgering, the show was picked up nationally, becoming American Bandstand on August 5, 1957. He also served as the show’s producer.

The show’s popularity helped Dick Clark become a media mogul and inspired similar long-running music programs, such as Top of the Pops. Clark eventually assumed ownership of the program through his Dick Clark Productions company.

On American Bandstand, Clark would often interview the teenagers about their opinions of the songs being played, through the “Rate-a-Record” segment. During “Rate a Record”, two audience members each ranked two records on a scale of 35 to 98. Clark then asked the audience members to justify their scores, before averaging the two opinions. The segment gave rise, to the phrase “It’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.

Then hosted by Bob Horn, It premiered locally in late September 1952 as Bandstand on Philadelphia’s WFIL-TV’s Channel 6, currently known as WPVI-TV. Bandstand mainly featured short musical films with occasional studio guests. This incarnation was an early predecessor of most of the music video shows that became popular in the 1980s.

Toward the end of the 1986–87 season, ABC wanted to cut Bandstand from a full hour to 30 minutes. Clark refused, and at the end of the season, Bandstand moved to first-run syndication. Clark continued as host of the series.

The following week, Bandstand moved to USA Network, with comedian David Hirsch taking over hosting duties. Clark remained executive producer. The show ended on October 7, 1989.

In 2002, Dick Clark hosted a special 50th anniversary edition. Michael Jackson, a frequent Bandstand guest, performed his hit single “Dangerous”

Sadly, on April 18, 2012, at the age of 82, Dick Clark succumbed to a heart attack. He introduced decades of viewers to the eclectic music of our times. As an entrepreneur and innovative producer, he reshaped the television landscape forever. We will never forget you Mr. Clark! (Military salute)

Fun Fact:

Throughout the late `50s and most of the `60s, Clark’s on-camera sidekick was announcer Charlie O’Donnell, who later went on to announce Wheel of Fortune (before Pat Sajak came along), and other programs hosted or produced by Clark, such as the $100,000 Pyramid.

Soul Train

All aboard the hippest trip in America!

Created by the Chicago born Donald Cortez “Don” Cornelius, Soul Train was longest-running nationally syndicated program in television program in history. Everything from its memorable Gamble and Huff composed theme song, “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia), to the flashy dancers, and of course the smooth voiced Mr. Cornelius, made everyone want to ride the Soul Train. With over 1,100 episodes produced from the show’s debut in 1971 through the last season in 2006, the show proved its longevity. Despite the production hiatus, Soul Train will continue to hold this honor until at least 2016.

During the late 1960s, there were no television venues in the United States for soul music. After noticing this, Cornelius, who the show’s first host and executive producer, introduced many African-American musicians to a larger audience because of their appearances on Soul Train.

A former news/sports reporter and disc jockey, Cornelius promoted and emceed a touring series of concerts featuring local talent at Chicago-area high schools. He called his traveling caravan, “The Soul Train.” WCIU-TV, his employer at the time, took notice of Cornelius’s outside work and in 1970, and allowed him the opportunity to bring his road show to television.

With that being said, on August 17, 1970, Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV as a live show airing weekday afternoons.

In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, funk, disco and soul artists. Eventually hip-hop, jazz, and gospel artists also appeared.

Soul Train featured a plethora of iconic performers. Among these musical pioneers were Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Barry White and Al Green to name a few. The show also included hip-hop royalty such as Run DMC, Whodini and Public Enemy.

Each guest usually performed twice on each program; after their first number, they were joined by Mr. Cornelius host onstage for a brief interview.

In addition to interviews, Soul Train didn’t only feature camera shots of dancing youngsters. Within the structure of the show, two elements stood out among others.

The “Soul Train Scramble Board,” was where two dancers are given 60 seconds to unscramble a set of letters that form the name of that show’s performer or a notable person in African American history. The dancers were given the answers before hand.

The “Soul Train Line,” developed when all the dancers formed two lines with a space in the middle for dancers to dance in consecutive order. Originally, this consisted of a couple—with men on one side and women on the other. In later years, men and women had their own individual lineups. Sometimes, new dance styles or moves were featured or introduced by particular dancers.

There were two elements that were omitted in later years. One was showing music videos, which were introduced by Mr. Cornelius. The other was crowd participation during the interview, which allowed the dancers to ask the guests questions, along with Mr. Cornelius.

By the end of the first season, Soul Train was on in the other seventeen markets.

Don Cornelius ended his run as host at the end of the show’s 22nd season on June 26, 1993, though he remained the show’s main creative force from behind the scenes. The following fall, Soul Train began using various guest hosts weekly until comedian Mystro Clark. Clark began a two-year stint as permanent host in 1997. Clark was replaced by actor Shemar Moore in 1999. In 2003, actor Dorian Gregory, who hosted through 2006, succeeded Moore.

Sadly, on February 1, 2012, Don Cornelius, who grew depressed due to his failing health succumbed from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75.

Mr. Cornelius will always be known as the musical and media pioneer who transcended cultural barriers while exposing African American lifestyle and history.

Fun facts:

Two former dancers, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniels, enjoyed years of success as members of the R&B group Shalamar. Watley would later enjoy success as a solo artist after leaving Shalamar.
Choreographer Rosie Perez, Actress Vivica A. Fox, Actress Carmen Electra, choreographer Laurieann Gibson, and actor/comedian Nick Cannon, were among many who were once Soul Train dancers.

The legacy of Soul Train will forever be filled with love, peace, and sooooooooul! We miss you always Don!

Club MTV

Hosted by England’s own Downtown Julie Brown at The Palladium, in New York City, Club MTV was MTV’s first half hour dance show. Molded after American Bandstand, Club MTV aired on MTV between 1985 and 1992. The popular dance show was part of MTV’s second generation of programming. Aside from her flashy clothes, boisterous personality, and intriguing British accent, Club MTV also showcased Brown’s famous catchphrase, “Wubba Wubba Wubba.”Unlike American Bandstand, the show had a more of a nightclub look. The women especially, dressed in provocative club wear such as skin-tight dresses and spandex pants. The show was eventually known for its sexual allure.

The show cut back and forth between teenagers and young adults dancing to hit dance songs and their accompanying videos. In later shows, they would dance exclusively to freestyle music. Often there were musical guests who performed their current or newest singles. Guests included Paula Abdul, Debbie Harry, Vanessa Williams, MC Hammer, to name a few.

The rise of Freestyle music caused Club MTV to begin using the music exclusively, in addition to featuring some house and hip-hop songs. In 1989, MTV introduced a companion show for Friday nights called Street Party that aired the complete videos of songs used on Club MTV.

Late in 1989, MTV launched their first Club MTV Tour featuring Was (Not Was), Information Society, Paula Abdul, Milli Vanilli and Tone Loc. But the tour was marred with troubles.

One night a track began to skip midway through Milli Vanilli‘s song “Girl You Know It’s True” while the show was being taped for broadcast. Later that year it was revealed that Milli Vanilli did perform on their album. Instead the vocals had been recorded by studio singers. Tour promoters countered that lip-syncing was a common practice because of the exhausting dance routines artists did while performing.

During the 1992 tour, several acts dropped out midway through their bookings, forcing MTV to book new acts at the last minute. With most of the Freestyle acts no longer interested in the tour, MTV wound up booking hip-hop and rap acts to replace them.

In 1992, MTV suddenly canceled both Street Party and Club MTV with no explanation. MTV executives made some subtle hints that it was in response to the many dance acts dropping out of the Club MTV tour.

On March 20, 2005, VH1 Classic aired a marathon of old Club MTV episodes with a promise that the show would return in the future.

These days Ms. Brown is a happily married mother of one. If Club MTV does return, we would only watch if she returned with it. We’re waiting for you Jules!

The Party Machine with Nia Peeples

After a long week, you just want to unwind. Going out is usually the option, but where to? With a set that featured live music venues, multi-level dance floors, conversation pits, a VIP room, a non-alcoholic bar and a resident DJ, who needed going to a nightclub? Back in 1991, tuning into The Party Machine with Nia Peeples, was the perfect remedy.

Aired weeknights on 150 stations, The Party Machine was hosted by actress/singer/dancer/choreographer Nia Peeples, who had also previously hosted MTV’s Friday night Street Party . While music videos and talent were introduced by Peeples, the show was executive produced by actor/comedian Arsenio Hall, who created it as a televised after party to his own popular late night talk show The Arsenio Hall Show.

The Party Machine aimed to be a showcase for established and breaking urban dance acts. Performers on the show were acts that were popular at the time including Tevin Campbell, Taylor Dayne, En Vogue, and MC Hammer The show also featured comedians and actors such as Sinbad.

In the beginning, ratings for Party Machine were solid and on several occasions led in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Miami and Washington. Soon viewer ship declined, and in June, the show was cancelled. The final episode aired on September 15, 1991.

These days, Ms. Peeples remains active in her prosperous acting career. Check her out in her recurring role, as Pam Fields, in ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars.

Whether we’re young or old, these were the shows that made us dance. They made us smile when we were sad, and brought out the good, when we felt like being bad. No matter how vintage they are, watching them always feels like the first time. These shows, as well as their hosts, are irreplaceable and will live in our hearts forever.

The George Zimmerman Trial: The Verdict REACHED

Written by Ashly Smith | Edited by DM

*Not Guilty 7/13/13

Right, wrong, or misunderstood – the compelling case of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman has been interpreted in many ways, thus far. Let’s hope that truth will be among these.

The case was much clearer last year after it gained mass media attention. Many believed that Zimmerman was guilty of murder. Nearly two weeks after the trial began, that number had decreased, according to a Rasmussen telephone survey conducted in May. Now at least 40 percent believe that Zimmerman acted in self-defense. The way this case has played out in court lead some to believe that the Zimmerman trial is about, both, prejudice and racial profiling.

On the evening of February 26, 2012, George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old multi-racial Hispanic American, was the neighborhood watch coördinator for the Twin Lakes housing community, in Sanford, Florida. Martin was temporarily staying there, while visiting someone.

At the time, Zimmerman was driving through the neighborhood when he noticed Martin. Martin was returning to the Twin Lakes housing community after having walked to a nearby convenience store.

Zimmerman called the Sanford police non-emergency number to report what he considered a suspicious person. Zimmerman stated, “We’ve had some break-ins in my neighborhood, and there’s a real suspicious guy.” Zimmerman described Martin as an unknown male “just walking around looking about”. He stated, “This guy looks like he is up to no good, or he is on drugs or something.: Zimmerman reported that the person had his hand in his waistband and was walking around looking at homes. On the recording, Zimmerman is also heard saying, “These a**holes, they always get away.” Apparently Zimmerman assumed that Martin, who was 17 at the time (and would have turned 18 this past February) was armed with drugs, but in turned out Martin only had Skittles and iced tea in his possession.

About two minutes into the call, Zimmerman mentioned that Martin was running. Zimmerman followed Martin, and eventually lost sight of him. The dispatcher then asked Zimmerman if he was following him. Once he admitted to doing so, the dispatcher then stated that he shouldn’t do it. Despite replying “Okay“, Zimmerman seemingly followed Martin anyway. Zimmerman says he wasn’t following him.

Zimmerman asked that police call him upon their arrival so he could provide his location.

It is said that Trayvon Martin was running. Reports have also shown that it was raining that night, and since he was only wearing a hoodie, with no umbrella, perhaps he wanted to get to his destination quickly. The most common speculation was that he started running because he noticed that Zimmerman was following him.

After Zimmerman ended his call with police, a physical encounter took place between Martin and Zimmerman, which ended when Zimmerman fatally shooting Martin with his black Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm semi-automatic pistol. This happened near the rear door of the townhouse where Martin was staying.

View CNN”s timeline of events here: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/justice/florida-teen-shooting-timeline

The incident generated huge outrage across the country for months and led to a wide-ranging conversation about the state of U.S. race relations. Zimmerman acknowledged shooting Martin, but said that it was in self-defense. Attorneys for Martin’s family have accused Zimmerman of profiling Martin and shooting him for no reason.

Much evidence continued to unravel. For example, despite a few speculations, there is no evidence to support that Martin handled the gun that he was shot with. According to test results made public last May, there was only evidence of only Zimmerman’s hands on the firearm.

Zimmerman stated that before the shooting, there was a violent fight between them and had pictures to prove it. Those photos, reportedly taken minutes after the shooting, showed streaks of blood on the back of Zimmerman’s head. Another photo posted on Zimmerman’s defense website showed him with blood on his nose and lips. Despite this, an analysis showed that the scrapings from underneath Martin’s fingernails did not contain any of Zimmerman’s DNA.

Back in December 2012, Zimmerman filed a lawsuit against NBC, accusing the network of taking his comments to the 911 dispatcher out of context in an effort to sensationalize the case and make him look bad. The lawsuit accuses the network of removing dialogue and dead air between Zimmerman and the dispatcher to bring comments that Martin appeared to be “up to no good” and “he looks black” closer together.

Another detail that has many on the edge is Florida’s “Stand your Ground” law. Adopted in 2005, the law says that people who feel threatened don’t have to retreat from danger, no matter where they are. This is Zimmerman’s main defense. After his arrest, his supporters said that the violent incident demonstrated the precise need for the law. Others state that the law encourages a vigilante mentality. The law, also, states that people who use fatal force, within the guidelines set out by the law, are immune from prosecution. A law which many find hard to believe.

One twist in the case was the star witness, Rachel Jeantel. Some believe that Jeantel may have been more detrimental to the prosecution’s case than a help. Others feel she was helpful and remained consistent despite any other issues.

19-year-old Jeantel, a friend of Martin’s, is the prosecution witness in the trial. She has also been the subject of much negative conversation (and strong support as a result of the negative conversation). Jeantel was on the phone with Martin, before he was shot. Besides Zimmerman, Jeantel was the last person to talk to Martin before his death.

It’s unfair for many to blame her lack of preparation for the trial on her “background” and “upbringing”. When one experiences loss of a loved one, how can one prepare to “speak well” when describing the incident. She was riddled with sadness. Jeantel recently shared that Trayvon was one of the few people that never made fun of her.

It’s clear that all who are defaming Rachel Jeantel need to realize that she is not the one on trial.

Scrunity should lie on whether Zimmerman had a right, under the law to shoot Martin on the night in question.

Jeantel’s reason for being on the stand was to describe what she knew of the last minutes of Trayvon Martin’s life. Her physical appearance, and posture, and the way that she spoke is beside the point. It was even more unjust for the opposing counsel to exploit her shortcomings as part of their strategy, not to mention how she was bashed on social media. These antics are irrelevant, as far as the merits of the case go. In this situation, Rachel Jeantel hasn’t killed anybody. Therefore everyone should focus on what really matters.

Now we wait for the jury made up of 6 women to deliberate and share the verdict. The city of Sanford, the state of Florida, the nation…and perhaps, the world, is watching. The Martin family and the Zimmerman family are hurting and continue to anxiously await the approaching verdict. There is a call for peace in Sanford, Florida. One thing’s for sure, this trial has opened up a conversation we’ve had many times before in America. Let’s hope that we can come to common ground and decrease and, eventually, eliminate these issues.

Coverage of the George Zimmerman trial can be seen on numerous news stations and websites.

How to turn your living room into a french café!

France, otherwise known as the city of love and romance, is a dreamy place that many people fantasize about visiting one day. When you think of France you think of Paris, art, cafés, and more. Well, don’t you wish you could see the beautiful French scenery everyday? As a matter of fact, could you see the space you spend most of your time in turned into a French-themed scene? Here’s a great way to implement France into your living space! You can combine the comforts of your living room with a Parisian twist to give you a unique cultural touch without breaking the bank. Let’s turn your space into a beautiful and dazzling French café!

A French café theme is a fun and elegant way to turn your living room into an absolute masterpiece! I know you’re wondering, “How can I turn my dull and boring living room into an elegant café?” For starters you must map out exactly how you’re going to do it. You need a plan:

what pieces you want to add to your living room
where to get them from
what’s your color scheme (many French cafés use a variety of pastel and soft colors, such as cream or mint)
buy paint (either from a home décor store or an online paint company to find a color to perfectly match the theme)
think about the floors (consider hardwood or carpet, keep a neutral color or one that matches the walls. If you go with hardwood floors, purchase a fancy rug that complements the theme. As I stated earlier, you can order from a home décor website or pick up a nice rug at either a home décor or furniture store.)
eiffel – tkcollections

These are the first steps to creating a base for your French Café’ living room.

Next, you need to assess your furniture. You need exquisite chairs, fancy sofas or loveseats to pull this off. They must be in a pastel color, crème, or velvet red – the colors are important when it comes to nailing it. You, definitely, need decorative tables and make sure they each fit up to two people.

Lastly, you must invest in decorations. Search for a couple of great wall paintings, preferably paintings of areas in France or, even, flowers. Consider purchasing a chandelier to add an elegant, classy feel to your living space. You will, also, need vases to hold the array of flowers you will get. As an alternative, you can place a decorative lamp on a table or on a detailed bureau. The awnings on many french cafes are striped, so you should incorporate this design into your decore via the use of striped curtains, striped coffee mugs, etc. Get creative!

Voila! You can now enjoy your very own personal French cafe without having to travel.

Black and (A)broad: Traveling Beyond The Limitations Of Identity by Carolyn E. Vines| Book Review

The book and personal memoir, Black and Abroad (by Carolyn E. Vines) not only discusses a highly successful African-American women struggling with inner issues but it also tells a story beyond all that, propelling the reader into a world of travel, self discovery and love. It starts off with Carolyn and how she met the love of her life, Vinz, a waiter at a hotel she and her friends often visit. It goes on to describe, in detail, how they started dating and developing a relationship – making this story worth your time! She goes on to discuss experiences and trips that came along during her relationship, from having to move from state to state and eventually abroad. You will journey to New Orléans, Paris, Cuba, and experience some Dutch love!

The book not only discusses Carolyn’s relationship but personal issues she struggled with as a Black woman. She discusses insecurities about her hair, body, and her background. This brings a better understanding of who she is, where she’s coming from and exactly how she feels. The personal notes are relatable as she pours her heart out and shares more than just her identity as a Black woman traveling abroad but she, also, delves into being in an interracial relationship. She explained her insecurities and her journey to move forward in her life, career, and her relationship.

This is a fascinating read as you get into Vines’ relationship from start to where they are now (as of when the book was written, of course). The details include the ups and downs – through breakups to makeups – and life changing decisions that made both her and Vinz’s life better. Her relationship is beautiful and real to the extent that anyone would love to read about it with their fingers crossed, praying that she will ultimately end up with the love of her life. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.

The book also documents the progress in her career as well as her progression into motherhood. This story is filled with inspiration for all women who’ve struggled with their identities, whether or not they’ve traveled and moved abroad. It not only shows a woman’s progress in loving herself but it gives hope to others. She goes in-depth about her interracial relationship that includes the sacrifices that come along with it, but in return Vines tells the story of becoming a wonderful person going after a wonderful life. This memoir was amazing and entertaining to read.