You have embedded fireworks everywhere in this essay, Blake. A tactile, immersive, emotive, delicious, experiential delight. Definitely a contender for Best Short-Non-Fiction Piece of 2025. Bravo!
P.S. This piece has me wondering if many/all humans who immerse themselves in partner dance also constitute part of your kindred spirit audience for the Dirt Bag Rich philosophy?
Thanks Michael—and god no! It's full-on survival mode during these weekends. Naps and caffeine are the only way I survive 3-4 consecutive nights like this.
Unexpected tie in, but have you read The Autobiography of Malcolm X? Dance clubs were a huge part of his formation in his early days, and there's something in the way you've been synthesizing experiences from dance culture and dirtbag culture that reminds me of how those scenes fit in to his story. From a certain angle, I've always thought of that book as a travel narrative (he was shaped so much by travel experiences in the States and then abroad), but hadn't really made the tie in with the dance thing prior. There's something in here about Brian Eno's concept of 'scenius' being incarnated physically I think.
Wow Blake! This is a really powerful essay. Thank you for sharing it! I love reading about your experience.
You have embedded fireworks everywhere in this essay, Blake. A tactile, immersive, emotive, delicious, experiential delight. Definitely a contender for Best Short-Non-Fiction Piece of 2025. Bravo!
P.S. This piece has me wondering if many/all humans who immerse themselves in partner dance also constitute part of your kindred spirit audience for the Dirt Bag Rich philosophy?
Follow Up P.P.S. For Blake: Do you consistently exist on four or five hours of sleep a night?
Thanks Michael—and god no! It's full-on survival mode during these weekends. Naps and caffeine are the only way I survive 3-4 consecutive nights like this.
Unexpected tie in, but have you read The Autobiography of Malcolm X? Dance clubs were a huge part of his formation in his early days, and there's something in the way you've been synthesizing experiences from dance culture and dirtbag culture that reminds me of how those scenes fit in to his story. From a certain angle, I've always thought of that book as a travel narrative (he was shaped so much by travel experiences in the States and then abroad), but hadn't really made the tie in with the dance thing prior. There's something in here about Brian Eno's concept of 'scenius' being incarnated physically I think.