In my ongoing effort to be a well rounded artist, last night I attended one of the many cool Hip-Hop classes at the world famous Debbie Reynold's dance studios in Studio City. There amongst the hallowed halls were posters from Hollywood's golden era, which included many that were actually signed by the stars themselves, including a vintage "Singing in the Rain" poster (with Gene Kelly's autograph!) and a more recent photo of Johnny Depp (with signature) in full Captain Jack Sparrow costume. How cool is that!
Oddly enough, despite all the movie achievements that Debbie Reynolds herself has accomplished, most of the students at her studio were more than likely unaware of who she is, and what films she has been in, let alone all the Hollywood greats that have stepped through the doors of the studio, that is, anyone pre-Johnny Depp that is! The reason being is that her studio has become a mecca for Hip-Hop classes. Can you believe that? Sure, they still provide jazz and ballet classes, and are even well known in L.A. for their tap dancing classes, but ask anyone who dances seriously, and they'll tell you that DR studios is one of the best places in town to do your THANG! So much so that they get an international clientele of students, mainly Japanese nationals (mostly women) who religiously take classes there. (I know this because they speak Japanese, and have that cool Harajuku Hip Hop style about them).
I've been taking dance classes for some time now, and used to go to DR studios quite often until I found the Edge PAC where I now am a regular. What's cool about DR's is the history of the lady herself and the studio itself. (Debbie is a huge collector of Hollywood memorabilla). I find it funny that most people don't even remember who she is! Trust me on this, as the average age of the students there are probably 20-23 years old, which is about a year or two younger than I am (yeah right!).
Nonetheless, it was a great class! I was getting my street cred' for the entire hour (being the ONLY asian/pacific islander guy in class, surrounded by Japanese nationals, and true hip-hop brothers). I held my own. It was fun, challenging and exciting through and through.
For all the artists reading this post, I strongly suggest trying something like this. It doesn't have to be Hip-hop, but perhaps something that'll bring a new level of creativity to your work. And if you're a photographer, these classes and moves will help you get those cool angles cause you can contort yourself into new shooting positions - righteous!
On a technical note, I'm lovin' my new D300! I really need to take it out on a real spin, and will be doing so at next Saturday's wedding gig I have for Michelle and Rene - I can't wait for their big day!
The front entrance to the studio. Note the two symmetrical statues that bookend the front stair - they are from a movie; I'm just not sure which one!
These are old movie model ships. Don't know from which movies, but you can tell that they had been used in film due to their scale and type. Neat huh?
Have a great day everyone, and thanks for reading, and do leave a comment if you have one!
Russell Wong, ME, Carrie-Ann Inaba
The Jabbawockeez and American Idol's Randy Jackson
The Jabbawockeez and American Idol's Randy Jackson
