Bolognese and Breaking

Last night, I went to a fun lecture with Bax, Giggles, and Giggles' boyfriend. Before we went to the Central Library, we grabbed a quick dinner at Maria's Italian Kitchen.

At this downtown location, you have the option of "express" or "nicer" dining.

Even though we were in a hurry, we opted for "nicer."

Our server assured us that she could get us out in 45 minutes if none of us chose a baked dish. She was so cheery and personable -- really good service.

Bax's fresh broccoli al pesto with cream ($13.99) was tasty enough.

My meat ravioli ($12.99) was stuffed with beef and pork and served with marinara sauce. Decent.

Giggles' southwest chicken salad and her boyfriend's barbecue chicken chopped salad ($8.99 each for half portions) looked adequate.


Our server came through with her promise of getting us out in 45 minutes. Her note on our check was funny. We were glad that we had an ok meal so quickly.

And we were off to the library!

The program, "Breaking in Its 30s: The Maturing of Hip Hop's Dance Art," was presented by ALOUD, a free series of lectures, readings, performances, and discussions.

I thought it was funny that an old white lady did the introduction. Actually, there were lots of old white people in the audience. That's usually the case at these free library events.

Imani Kai Johnson, a doctoral candidate in the Department of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC, gave a brief talk about breaking through the years. It is the subject of her dissertation. She explained her analysis of "cyphers," or hip hop dance circles.

Johnson moderated a discussion about the evolution of hip hop with choreographer Raphael Xavier (a.k.a. "Viazeen") and pioneer b-boy Edmundo Loayza (a.k.a. "Poe One")

We were delighted when Poe One pulled up some audience members to demonstrate a few basic moves.

Two-step + scoop + Batman



Picture + sweep + spin



Hip hop is a mixture of popping, locking, and breaking with a different swagger.



Hip hop is kind of like a free-for-all dance.



Poe One demonstrates some locking moves.



A pop is when you hit your body, kind of like an electric shock.



Poe One opines on crumping.



Viazeen explains that locking and popping existed long before breaking.



Viazeen talks about the choreography of breaking.



After the program, Giggles drove me home. Then I watched So You Think You Can Dance.