Boogie Down on Aisle Three…

Ever  taken your baby deer to Jewel and busted out some sweet dance moves amid the boxes of Oysterettes?

Me neither.  But that’s because they aren’t playing the right kind of Muzak!  (And because my baby deer doesn’t do carbs).  Thankfully here at DDPP we do Muzak right.  Or rather, DJ Muzak does DDPP right.  I know I can always count on DJ Muzak to upgrade the hits.  She gets us flappin’ our wings and sharpening our claws (WARNING: DDPP may cause you to spontaneously burst into late 80s choreography).  She knows what them girls like–gettin’ crazy!–and our respect for her is no secret.  Many a time I’ve jumped in front of that lava projector and thought holy sh*t, being alive kind of rules.  Ladies, it happened again yesterday afternoon.  Sure, life’s complicated, but it’s alright–as long as you have a dance studio, a room full of fabulous females, and the stylings of one DJ Muzak.

Much love to you woman–skinny and California!

PS. Sundays are back on FOR GOOD at the end of September.  Stay tuned!

The Circle of Life

Last month we donned our white gloves and recognized the passing of a legend.  DJ Peaches did a fantabulous job putting together a mix of Michael through the years, and the result was such a zombie-lurching, moon-walking, crotch grabbing blast that we asked ourselves whether once was really enough.  The answer…NO!  And DJ AWOL (aka AllieKatt) was there to heed our call.

So, last night we donned our white gloves and celebrated Mr. Jackson’s birth.  Had I had a little more foresight, I would have called up the Cake Boss and had him whip up one of these:

Next time fo’ shizzle.

But thanks to DJ AWOL’s sweet mix, I didn’t miss the cake.  This mix was so mind-blowing it reduced me to syllables: YOW, ZA.  I said it last night and I’ll say it again: I have never laughed so hard at DDPP. Between getting cornered by zombies and breaking out into a cross the room hoe-down stomp, I was literally clutching at the walls to stay upright!  Disco Michael, Doo-wop Michael, creepy PYT Michael–this mix had it all!  With only one, extremely necessary, repeat from the July mix, (Mwah-ha-ha!) we were reminded just how versatile MJ was, just how far and wide his reach.  His songs tap into the memories of people all over the globe, and every time we do this I am surprised, shocked even, to hear a song that I’ve known my whole life and not even realized it was sung by Michael Jackson.  Damn.  DJ AWOL, I think you got Michael the perfect gift.

And what’s more, last night was a dual celebration!  DJ AWOL shares her birthday with MJ!   So this Saturday (the actual b-day), shoot a Shamowan into the universe for MJ and AWOL alike.  DJ AWOL, thanks for the gift of your mixes, your sweet moves, and your bold karaoke spirit!  Hope you have a great weekend sister–you deserve it!  In fact, I know what I can get you!  Your very own Sunday DDPP.

That’s right ladies, our monthly summer Sunday DDPP is back THIS SUNDAY!!!  Come on out and get down to the groove of DJ Muzak, who will most assuredly get your pulse pounding.  4 o’clock as usual–be there or be sorry!

Did some sing Karaoke?

Nine beautiful and brave ladies showed up for the first DDPP fieldtrip to Karaoke on Lincoln. We had our own room but we could have basically taken over the entire building. In fact, the way the man and the woman behind the bar was pouring me shots, I think we actually did win the hearts of the staff! Some ladies showed up in the latest DDPP fashions and our beloved den mothers, the K’s, were rockin’ the house with floral and spandex patterns and material. I think my favorite part of the night which could have been everyone’s from the sound of laughter, was “Smooth Criminal”. I keep wondering if Annie’s ok. She never did respond to your insistent questioning. Nice job on the microphone ladies! We had so many songs that made all of us belt out together. Everyone had a great voice except for moi! Thanks for embracing mine! The only thing that would have completed my night, was having my partner and sidekick present. Ms. Jenny B was missing and I longed for her presence when I plugged in ‘Maneater’ by Hall and Oates into the gray box (Jenn-don’t worry. Ninety nine percent of the songs I entered into that Gray box never came out

We had a blast and rocked it so hard that all of the ladies around us were willing to take off all of their clothes and do sexual dances for us. There were even some school girls in there, but I guess it is that time of year again. Thanks again ladies for making it to our first sponsored field trip.

Carol Lugo

DDPP is a place dreams are made…

It inspires us to dance however we see fit and makes us feel comfortable to break out in dance. I’ve often been in grocery store lines and I hear a classic 80s or early 90s jam on the loud speaker of the grocery store. I’m waiting to pay for my produce, I’m idling in line. What better thing to do, than to start shakin’ my rump and I’m not talking my rump roast on the conveyer belt. DDPP and my inner child inspire me to start dancing. Could you only imagine if I entered Carol Lugo’s grocery line. If only I knew she was secretly wearing dance shoes everyday to work. If only I knew she was the reason DDPP must always live on…shit, she’d probably have to close her lane because she asked them to turn up the music over the PA and we’d break out in dance throughout the store. Damn. Take a look at this incredible woman…

Regardless of what’s going on in New Jersey or on stage in Britain, we here at DDPP Chicago are always rockin’ the house. Let me ask you this my friends-where else can you fall on the ground (because you were dancing so hard), get right back up, cheer that you fell, and have all of the ladies around you, cheer for you as well. Pure magic and pure courage to be whatever we are at the moment. As a first year teacher, I am going to take the DDPP spin and challenge even my Freshman to have no judgment of themselves or others. We could be starting a revolution here. Without further ado before I ramble into some type of oblivion, I give you the mix from last night. DJ Tanner was in the House.

A True Original

Q: If 2,845 dance songs have been played at DDPP over the course of the last 3 years at Chicago’s DDPP, what are the chances that a lady makes a mix that has at least one song repeated?

A: Extraordinarily good.

But DJ Michelle Leslie Brown isn’t just and lady. She is a rarity, a gem that we mine for its inestimable value each time she takes her turn on the tables. And this past Wednesday – her mix once again echoed her one-of-a-kind nature. Notta one song did she play had been played before, prompting long-time DDPPers and newbies alike to squeal in delight when the voices of Christopher Cross or let’s say, Chumbawumba came floating out of the speakers, lifting us off the ground almost as gracefully, but far more sweatily than the woman you see here.

And in looking at her song titles all in a row, I’m prompted to think there’s a juicy story behind this mix. Setting: Africa. What can I do for you? Why you can make it hot, woman. Ok – let’s get involved. Oh no – in getting involved, it’s come to my attention that you sir, are a closet freak. To which he replies “It’s OK baby, touch it” and goes on to start this rant Buy it, use it, break it, fix it, Trash it, change it, mail – upgrade it, Charge it, point it, zoom it, press it, Snap it, work it, quick – erase it, Write it, cut it, paste it, save it, Load it, check it, quick – rewrite it, Plug it, play it, burn it, rip it, Drag and drop it, zip – unzip it, Lock it, fill it, call it, find it, View it, code it, jam – unlock it, Surf it, scroll it, pause it, click it, Cross it, crack it, switch – update it, Name it, rate it, tune it, print it, Scan it, send it, fax – rename it, Touch it, bring it, Pay it, watch it, Turn it, leave it, start – format it.

Yep – he’s out of the closet. A true internet freak. She can’t take it, so in the middle of the dinner party, she yells “get up everybody. It’s time to ride like the wind.” She breaks away, and he begins consoling his loss by tubthumping (insert your own twisted definition) with his doggie named Nu Nu. Having a change of heart, she returns to him in the bathroom, dims the lights, and seeing him in a situation resembling this:

Asks him: “Don’t explain.” As he shivers and cries in her arms. On second thought – I think this mix is better interpreted through dance.

So you think you can sing?

We know you can dance. But in honor of summer we’re gonna shake it up with some sweet serenading, too. We’re also going to break 2 cardinal rules of DDPP: there will be booze and there will be talking. (Still no judgment and no boys) Yeehaw!

Please consider you and your ladies invited to DDPP Chicago’s first-ever:

Karaoke Night of Dreams!!!

What’s what:

August 22

10pm — ???

Lincoln Karaoke

Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
5526 N Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625

(773) 895-2299

Reviews of Lincoln Karaoke include these zingers: 

“Where else will they provide LA Gear-style light up tambourines?”

“Oh what an experience. There was so much singing, love, messiness, tomfoolery, drinking, dancing, and random Japanese television.”

“You have not done Karaoke in Chicago until you come here.”

Yep – they said LA gear-style light up tambourines. Come and get to know your favorite dancing strangers! We’ll get together prior to the main karaoke event for some dinner. But we’ll figure out exactly where to do that depending on how many ladies are planning on coming.

PLEASE RSVP by Monday, August 17th if you can make it so we know how big of a room to rent and where we’re gonna meet up for dinner! You can RSVP by leaving a comment on this post or by emailing us at ddppchicago[at]gmail[dot]com. If you’re on our mailing list and got the evite – please RSVP via the evite.

Big love! Hope to see you with a mic in your hand soon… and then of course, on TV.

Hodgepodge

Usually after I make a mix, even when I haven’t set out to make it themed, I find my subconscious has programmed in some kind of unifying element.  Maybe 80% of the songs I’ve chosen ask some kind of question, or maybe a disproportionate number of them use the phrase “pump it up.”  Either way, this makes it easier to write the blog.

Well last night’s mix was one hell of an exception.  I think I finally managed to include everything but the kitchen sink:

But I don’t know, maybe if you had to you could peel potatoes into Motownphilly.

Anyway, if you ask me last night had an electric feel–which I’ll attribute to the fabulous ladies who brought my mix to life!  Veterans and virgins alike shook their coconuts.  Honestly it was no myth, last night we found that thing, the magic groove that melts away the rest of the world for an hour and when it’s over you just don’t want to leave!  Better than psychotherapy, more atomic than the bomb, the music brought us together, stripped away our inhibitions, and let us revel in the miracle of our heartbeat.

Ladies, thanks so much for choosing DDPP last night!  You filled the studio with joy, and brought a huge smile to my face that I will carry into today.

xo,

DJ Dizz(aster)

P.S. Karaoke is ON for Saturday August 22!  If you are interested in joining us, please shoot us an email to RSVP so we know how big of a room we need to book.  SAY YES!!!  It will be AMAZING.