So you think you can dance?

SYTYCD on Fox is one of my fave reality shows. The athleticism, creativity and personality of the choreographers and dancers just thrills me. Russell (yay!) won Wednesday's Season 6 finale, proving that anyone can learn and grow as a dancer.

Okay, I know I'm nowhere near as talented as the contestants on this show, but I've always loved to dance. Motivated by the movies Beat Street and Breakin, when I was 11 I made my first attempt at breakdancing in my parents tile foyer (ouch). Video Music Box with Donnie Simpson (dimples!) was my ticket to the latest video moves. And then after college when I moved to NYC, I was a regular at Webster Hall and The Shelter -- a true house head. Now my club days are over, and I'm dancing for The Lord, but I really want to learn technique. So where does an adult go to take dance lessons in the Triangle? Here's my short list. Jam on, people.

Ever considered belly dance? I've taken classes with Aziza Fadwa through Cary Parks and Rec (though she teaches all around the Triangle), and I think she's a fabulous instructor. She's encouraging and takes time to help people individually, especially when showing you those isolation moves. The women in her classes range in girth, and can really work it, which is comforting for those of us with a little *ahem* "more to love."

Ever wanted to try modern, ballet or hip-hop? The Arts Together community school in Raleigh offers weeknight classes for amateurs as well as experts, with some yoga and pilates classes thrown in for good measure.

You'll find various classes -- some even for free! -- at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, located just off NC-147 on Fayetteville Street. Check out the Creative Movement Dance class starting April 20 (free!). You might just see me in that one...

Ninth Street Dance in Durham has a wide range of dance classes for people of all shapes and sizes. The teach Krump, Capoeira, Hip-Hop, Swing, Broadway -- the possibilities are endless. Ninth Street Dance is on the second floor of a gorgeous old building with plenty of light. Bonus! It shares the main entrance with one of the best burrito joints in town, The Cosmic Cantina. Just trust me, you have to try it!

Do you know any good places for dance lessons in the Triangle? Please share!

Sorry for the sparse posts! and H&M is coming...

I started this blog, in part, to help me keep track of all the cool things I find in Raleigh-Durham on a regular basis. You would think there's nothing going on around here, but au contraire! I just need to take the time to blog more frequently...

One of my favorite recent stories in local business --> H&M is coming to Crabtree Valley Mall! Those of you who are unfamiliar with this European-born chain are in for a treat... *grinning and rubbing my hands together*

Along with Century 21 and Filene's Basement, H&M was one of my beloved playgrounds when I lived in NYC, particularly the location on 5th Ave near Rockefeller Center. Here in Raleigh I tend to frequent Target, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Ross, Forever 21, Ann Taylor (clearance section), consignment shops, DSW and SRI. It should be obvious that (a) I'm a deal seeker and (b) I don't mind digging and hunting. H&M feeds my need for edgy pieces at a better price... think Target clothes, but in a more daring way -- more applique, more interesting fabric, different drape. See for yourself at their site. The store is typically organized in sections of interesting color palettes, e.g. olive jackets with raspberry blouses, navy + black, pale gray + pale pink. Most of the digging takes place in the clearance section.

Some people think the clothese are cheaply made, but I beg to differ. To me, Forever 21 is cheaply made, but that's why I don't mind paying $6.80 for a top, knowing it might be threadbare in a year. One of my favorite sweaters -- a deep V-neck green one with bell sleeves -- came from H&M and I've worn it every winter for the last 8 years. I think I bought it for $20?It is just now developing a little hole and I'm sure I'll sew it up and get a couple more seasons out of it.

Are you a fan of H&M? Tell me about it! I wonder if they'll open a store at Triangle Town or somewhere in Cary as well... hmmmmm....

The Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh

Street markets first caught my attention when I moved from TX to NYC. On the lazy summer Saturdays, I took a subway to the heart of Manhattan, usually somewhere near the Village or Union Square, and just wandered until I bumped into one of many street fairs. Ah, the bliss of finding a hand-woven, jewel-toned skullie from Nepal, big bug-eyed sunglasses, or a brilliant red stone pendant, all with negotiable prices, of course.

The Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh is my satisfying mini substitute. Of course, it's no rival for the endless shopping buffet of NYC and neighboring tax-free New Jersey, but what a great taste... and the offerings are growing! According to their website, the first fair took place in 2005 under a the name "Crafter's Flea Market" at the parking lot of renowned bead store, Ornamentea. Today, the DDM still operates at the same location and operates at least five times a year.

The most recent market was this Saturday, July 11, and what discovered some lovely things. Check out this necklace made of orange rinds by Pam Or Designs. It carries the faint scent of citrus.
I also saw some beautiful hand-dyed scarves made by a young woman named Ryan (her website for Flamboyant Scarves isn't up yet), and eco-design jewelry made from bright, heavy weight recycled paper by Zass Design. Next time I'll do better with photos.

The next DDM is Saturday, Sept 12, 2009.

A Musical Treasure in North Raleigh

Looking for some good clean fun, food, and free live music on a Friday or Saturday night? Perhaps a nice place for an inexpensive date or night out with your kids? Check out Poyner Place in North Raleigh east of Triangle Town Mall. Located at off I-540 at the intersection of Triangle Town Center & Sumner Boulevard (Super Target, World Market complex), Poyner hosts "Live Music at the Pond," with jazz, acoustic, blues and R&B every Friday and Saturday from April through September, weather permitting.

The music starts at 7, but because the venue is becoming more popular now that it's been around for a few years, you may want to come a little earlier. Feel free to bring a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs and scope out a cozy spot next to the 8-foot vertical fountain (not shown in the photo, but it's really nice up close). Shane's BBQ, Dominic's NY Pizzeria (great calzones), ColdStone Creamery, and Applebees are all within walking distance of the venue.

Photo by Randy Pulley

How I Shop Goodwill*

*Many bloggers have discussed their thrift store shopping methods. This post is meant to share the ones that work specifically for me, in the hopes they might also help you. :)

When it comes to shopping, I'm thrilled by the digging. I realize this method of shopping is not for everyone, but if you're like me you experience a giddy, smug satisfaction from plucking some fabulous items from the racks of a TJMaxx, Marshall's or Ross at a deep discount from department store prices.

Increasingly, one of my favorite places to hunt is Goodwill, and its popularity seems to be growing for a number of reasons. The obvious motivator is the murky economy. Like so many millions of Americans, I recently joined the ranks of the unemployed. And just like everyone else, I want to stretch my dollar as far as possible every time and everywhere I shop. Shopping secondhand is a great way to achieve that goal. Another reason for increased business for GW is given in this Chicago Tribune article, which explores the emerging attitude of "conservative chic" -- embracing thriftiness while shunning the blinged-out showiness that was so popular just a few years ago. Regarding the psyche of the American consumer, it is evident people haven't stopped shopping, they're just shopping differently, per this Time.com interview with retail expert Paco Underhill:

Another key thing we are finding is that there are people in the parking lot of Trader Joe's and ALDI, and Goodwill and the dollar stores, that were never there three years ago. The demographic profile of people willing to shop down is expanding. (full article)

Goodwill marketers are successfully repositioning their stores in the minds of consumers to compete on a commercial level as a "discount retailer," akin to Wal-mart and Target. And speaking of my beloved red-themed store, my December visit to the Brodie Lane GW in Austin, TX, was full of Target clothes and shoes fresh off the clearance racks and obviously never worn! Lots of goods from Khol's too. The look and layout of the store was different from the traditional GW, with a silent auction of superior goods (purses, furniture, art) at the front, a specialty section of higher-end clothing brands, a well-developed jewelry section, and a rather sophisticated and modern glass facade. I should have taken a pic. T'was quite fancy! I look forward to seeing something that nice in Raleigh-Durham.

Here are my personal ideas about how to get the most out of a visit to Goodwill, especially if you're not used to thrift-store shopping. What works for me:

1) Be open-minded and prepared to spend some time combing the racks. If you go in looking for something very specific, such as a size 12, silk fuschia knee-length skirt, you might leave disappointed. Keep in mind that things can be altered to fit. Also, sometimes tags aren't true to size, especially when it comes to vintage items. (I recently bought a "size 10" dress online, and I'm *ahem* definitely bigger than a 10 by today's standards.) It's all part of the fun of the hunt!

2) Take advantage of the increase of brand name and store-specific clothes. Obviously leftover clearance items from Belk have to go somewhere. I'm noticing a huge increase in obviously new items with tags still attached en masse from various stores. I imagine there's a tax write-off for the donation made by those major retailers, and from a financial perspective the gift doubles as a method of eliminating an inventory expense. At the store on New Hope Church Rd in Raleigh, I saw this Merona skirt -- which was on the racks at Target as recently as November for $20 -- for only $4 with tags intact. I also saw lots of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, Old Navy and J. Crew blouses, and all kinds of Old Navy. Ask your local GW store when they receive drop-offs from major stores.

3) Go in the late afternoon, perhaps around 4 pm. New stock at my local store seems to come out continuously, and it seems the afternoon is the best time to see the fresh stuff. It has also been my best time to avoid lengthy lines.

4) Bring a pair of socks to wear in the dressing room. The floors can be kind of dirty, but I think this is true of most dressing rooms in general.


5) Pay close attention to details on the garments. I find that most items have been screened fairly well for stains, rips, tears, etc, but be on the lookout just in case. $4 isn't a deal if you take it home and can't wear the garment; it just means you blew $4 bucks! Check for any flaws under the arms, at collars, and along seams.

For more advanced tips, transferable trends, and great GW advice, please peruse the fabulous blog of the DC Goodwill Fashionista, which is relevant even outside The Beltway.

Do you have a favorite Goodwill location in the RDU area or a great find to share from a Goodwill experience?