Latest news with #BootsontheGround
NBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
The dance sensation of the summer has people asking, 'Where them fans at?'
Black America's 2025 summer anthem may actually be a line dance steeped in African history and tradition. The catchy 'Boots on the Ground' song by South Carolina rapper 803Fresh seems to be everywhere — at picnics, reunions, front lawns, block parties, cruise ships and festivals — with droves of African Americans waving fans and chanting the viral phrase, 'Where them fans at?' The signature Southern Soul line dance song was released in December. It recently surged in popularity after everyday people and celebrities alike began donning cowboy outfits and performing the choreography for a TikTok challenge. The momentum has only continued building. 'Southern Soul music has been underground for years but this particular song brings the cowboy culture into a place where everyone can participate,' said Ramal 'The Hometown Heat' Brown, a former hip-hop disc jockey at 105.3 KJAMZ in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 'It brings a country feel to city life.' Some of those who participated in the viral 'Boots on the Ground' challenge, which got millions of views on social media, are former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and first lady Michelle Obama. The official music video for the song, posted on YouTube two months ago, has been seen 12 million times. During an intermission at the Winter Park Jazz Festival in Colorado last weekend, a disc jockey joked that someone paid him $100 to play the song. And when he did, hundreds in attendance, regardless of race, found whatever little space was available on the vast, crowded lawn to take a spin. Others stood up to watch and learn it. Culture critic Blue Telusma credits the success of Beyoncé's 2024 album 'Cowboy Carter' with paving the way for 'Boots on the Ground.' 'Carter' won the Grammy Awards for album of the year and best country album by exploring and highlighting the overlooked contributions of Black people to music and culture. While some balked at Beyoncè's formal entry into country, Telusma said it was an instrumental step toward reclaiming the genre for people of color. 'Blacks, Mexicans and Latinos have a deep history in cowboy culture that we often don't get credit for, and the same ancestral DNA that I suspect that Beyoncé tapped into by doing 'Cowboy Carter' is what line dancing means in the Black community,' Telusma said. Traditionally, for the ancestors and enslaved Africans who built America, line dancing was a form of spiritual communal dancing. 'It was a way for people during really nasty times to get together in a barn or a speakeasy and dance as a collective,' Telusma said. Some say the way 'Boots' sounds allows for an intergenerational appreciation of the song. Part of the song is derived from trail-ride culture, where Black Southerners would have cookouts before mounting their horses while dressed in vests and colorful cowboy attire and ride through different neighborhoods to show off their livestock, said 37-year-old Denver resident China Scroggins. She also agrees the song is tied to African ancestral traditions. 'There's something very culturally and historically sound about the way Black Americans and their ancestors moved in order to overcome,' said Scroggins, who taught herself the dance after watching several viral videos earlier this year. 'The song came out when people needed to hear it coming off of a presidential election — being in step with each other. And the song and dance was easy to adapt, and it was fun.' Radio-friendly line dances like the 'Electric Slide' in the 1980s and later the 'Cupid Shuffle' and 'The Wobble' have long been a part of Black culture.
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
In Boston, soul line dancing goes beyond ‘boots on the ground'
The scene was from one of three free weekly classes that Boston Rhythm Riders offers for community members to learn line dances. Popular choices include Cupid's 'Flex,' Frankie Beverly and Maze's 'Before I Let Go,' and the recent viral hit, 803Fresh's 'Boots on the Ground' — all songs that have helped line dancing garner its recent social media visibility. Advertisement However, the organization wasn't chasing a viral moment when it started. In 2007, Angie Dickerson, Boston Rhythm Riders's creative director and operations manager, launched the group as a way to uplift herself after a major life change. At the time, Dickerson had moved from Houston back to Boston to take care of her mother, who'd been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up As a UMass Boston theater arts alum and Roxbury native, Dickerson said her involvement in the arts saved her life growing up. Jamal Fortest dances with his mom, Tina, who hosted a line dance class at Refectory Hill in Franklin Park. Heather Diehl/For The Boston Globe 'I needed and was missing singing, dancing, [and] theater,' she said. 'So, line dancing actually saved me. While I was saving other people at the same time, I didn't realize the impact.' With the help of her friends, Dickerson began teaching line dancing classes wherever she could, from after-school programs to community centers and nightclubs. Advertisement Although she credits the South for her passion for the dance form, Dickerson noted that there has always been a history of line dancing in Boston. Yet, when she first returned to Massachusetts — and sometimes even now — she said people associate line dancing strictly with country line dancing. It's such a common occurrence that she often has to emphasize the distinction between country and soul/urban line dancing, which primarily incorporates R&B, soul, Afro-fusion, and hip-hop music. While primarily reserved for family gatherings, such as weddings, reunions, or cookouts, soul line dancing has been a part of Black culture for decades. Before finding the Boston Rhythm Riders, numerous students in the Tuesday class recalled participating in more famous soul line dances with their families, like the 'Wobble,' 'Cupid Shuffle,' and 'The Electric Slide.' Cousins DeLisa Burns Boyd and Kim Burns hug during a break at the line dance class at Refectory Hill in Franklin Park on July 16. Heather Diehl/For The Boston Globe But without more visibility, Dickerson initially had issues booking spaces in gyms for line dancing classes. 'They basically were like, 'Well, Zumba is popular right now. We don't know anything about line dancing. Why don't you go get your Zumba certification and come back?'' Dickerson said. 'And I was like, 'No, I want to do line dancing. This thing is going to be big, I'm telling you.'' Now, as mainstream media takes notice of soul line dancing, it seems that Dickerson was right. On TikTok, the hashtag #linedance has amassed over 400,000 posts, and the line dance song 'Boots on the Ground' hit No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart in June. Locally, interest in Boston Rhythm Riders's classes has grown — attendance at their Wednesday class in particular has increased threefold, Dickerson said. Advertisement Despite previous practice space struggles, the dance group found a rhythm that worked for them. Along with their Tuesday class at Bowdoin Street Health Center's community room, the Rhythm Riders offer a Wednesday class in Franklin Park (as part of the Boston Park Commission's fitness series) and a Thursday class in the Hyde Park Community Center. Boston Rhythm Riders have also been bringing soul line dancing to the festival and summer event circuit, performing at events like the annual Two months ago, Lori Brown, 69, had been looking for a fitness class to join when she took her first class at Bowdoin Street Health Center. She said she's been back every week since, even going as far as looking up other line dances on YouTube to practice. DebRa Horne-Bramble participates in a line dance class held at Refectory Hill in Franklin Park on July 16. Heather Diehl/For The Boston Globe 'She got me hooked,' Brown said, referencing Dickerson's impact. With each event, their community of line dance enthusiasts grows stronger, but not just for the love of the music. As Dickerson developed Boston Rhythm Riders and shared her story about her mother's cancer diagnosis, other women began to share their own experiences with cancer with her. Floyd, who joined the organization two years ago, said she especially liked the way Boston Rhythm Riders turned line dancing into community work. When Floyd needed to take a hiatus from her job and dancing while undergoing breast cancer treatment, Dickerson was there waiting when she was ready to come back, offering her support and a more active role in the group. Advertisement For Dickerson, Boston Rhythm Riders wasn't just a place to learn a line dance, but a community space for those with shared experiences to participate in an accessible, nontraditional way to stay social and active. Dickerson said Boston Rhythm Riders tries to tie wellness into everything they do — such as their upcoming 18th annual line dance wellness anniversary in September 18-21 and flash mob fundraiser at the American Cancer Society in October— because it allows people to have resources brought to them, rather than having to search for them. Some of the Rhythm Riders' past partnerships include ZaZ Restaurant, a Caribbean fusion business in Hyde Park, and Body by Brandy, a fitness and wellness organization in Roxbury. 'We're always looking for ways to enhance the resources and take it to the next level,' Dickerson said. 'We are here for the community, and it's more than just line dancing — it's bigger.'
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Don't board a Carnival Cruise without knowing these top game-changing rule updates
If you're planning a Carnival cruise, don't be misled by rumors. Carnival Cruise Line has updated a few key rules and policies, including those governing theme-nightclub music, fan use, and public behaviour. While online rumors have caused controversy, Carnival clarifies that many of these policies are not new but are simply more visible now. The Cruise Line points out that many other policies have been in place for a number of years and claims that they are motivated by race are completely untrue, as quoted in a report by Cruise Critic. According to Matt Lupoli, senior vice president of public relations, "unfortunately, a number of media outlets have misinterpreted the matter and blown it out of proportion." "Carnival has always had a wide variety of entertainment options, and recent adjustments like expanding themed nights at the nightclub have already been popular with guests on board. 'Enhancing the guest experience is an ongoing effort, and for the past three years we have communicated our expectations about guest behaviour. Our ships are shared spaces, and we create a friendly environment for all who sail with us,' as quoted in a report by Cruise Critic. Live Events While some popular songs and party staples have changed, the cruise line says it's all part of improving the guest experience, not reducing the fun. Are clack fans really banned onboard? Clack fans have been used as a form of expression for decades and are a common sight at Pride events and within the LGBTQ+ community. They are also used in clubs to create a visual effect and an auditory flourish to break up the beat of the song. Since 803Fresh's song "Boots on the Ground" became a line dance, the use of clack fans in the Black community has skyrocketed in popularity. The fact that Carnival has banned clack fans since 2023, a full year before "Boots on the Ground" was released in 2024, is likely surprising to many. "Handheld clack (or clap) fans are not permitted in the nightclub or any indoor dance floor," the statement reads in its terms and conditions. Large line dances are more enjoyable on the Lido deck, so you can still dance to "Boots on the Ground" with your fan. Which rules are new and which aren't? Critics point out that not all the other restrictions are new. Perhaps the regulations are being applied more strictly on some ships. By the end of 2024, Carnival had banned Bluetooth and personal speakers. The line states in its terms and conditions that this is done to ensure that public safety announcements are heard by all passengers. Teens under the age of 17 who are not with a parent or legal guardian are subject to a 1 a.m. curfew in Carnival's public areas and since 2022, the curfew has been in effect. In a time when almost half of the states have legalized cannabis, many people are unaware that cruise ships are prohibited from serving marijuana, THC products, and even CBD. This is due to the fact that these substances are still classified as controlled substances under federal law, which applies to cruise ships. Before boarding, a number of cruise lines, such as Carnival and Disney, have drug-sniffing dogs at embarkation ports, as per a report by Cruise Critic. ALSO READ: Prices set to explode: Trump's tariffs could make your tomatoes cost more than steak — starting today What's actually happening with the music? Speaking of line dances, the internet gossip site also claimed that Carnival had banned V.I.C.'s wildly popular song "The Wobble." "The Wobble" is typically played a lot on cruise ships, and for many people, the earworm begins during the Sail Away party. This is evident to anyone who has been on a mainstream cruise ship since the song's 2008 release. However, every playlist undergoes modifications. "The Wobble" is no longer on Carnival's most recent version of their Sail Away playlist. However, the line stated that the song is not prohibited. It is performed upon request, at other events, and at the White Party. Are the Nightclub theme nights expanded? Many people have been asking about the nightclubs on Carnival Cruise Line on social media, where there are a lot of rumors. Carnival has allegedly reduced the quantity of hip-hop and rap music played in nightclubs, according to another TikTok rumor. According to the line, the nightclub's genre themes have actually been extended from the first hour to the entire evening. The following themes have been depicted on a typical weeklong voyage: Latin Night; R&B and Soul; Dance, House, and Pop; 70s and 80s; 90s and 2000s; and Caribbean and Afrobeats. Given that it can be challenging to switch genres during a theme party, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald informed guests that theme nights were on the horizon and suggested that they politely ask the DJ to do so. Heald himself statted that there have been many rumors, and we still play all kinds of music. FAQs Is "The Wobble" banned on Carnival cruises? No, it is still played at themed parties and on request, but not during Sail Away anymore. Is it allowed to bring a Bluetooth speaker or clack fan onboard? Bluetooth speakers are prohibited throughout the fleet, and clack fans are not permitted inside or in nightclubs.
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Did Carnival ban clacking fans, hip hop music on cruises? What to know.
Chatter has been circulating online about reported recent changes to Carnival Cruise Line's onboard policies. Nevertheless, some of those rules are not new additions, while others have not been introduced at all. Those include an alleged ban on clacking handheld fans – used for dancing to the song 'Boots on the Ground' – in parts of the ship, a ban on the 'Wobble' line dance, and limits on rap and hip hop music onboard. Some on social media said they felt the cruise line was unfairly targeting Black customers. 'Unfortunately, certain media outlets have blown this matter out of proportion,' Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'We have always had a wide variety of entertainment options and for the last several years we have communicated our expectations about guest behavior.' What recent changes did Carnival make? Carnival did ban Bluetooth speakers in late 2024. The cruise line also introduced a 1 a.m. curfew for guests 17 and under – if they are not accompanied by an adult – but that policy dates back to 2023, Lupoli said. Jasmine Ramnarine, who runs the travel and lifestyle YouTube channel A Rich and Jazzy Life with her husband, Richard, said she thinks the narrative that the cruise line is cracking down on onboard behavior is not necessarily a bad thing – even if it's not entirely accurate. That can help counter negative attention from viral videos of fights among passengers, for instance, she said. 'At the end of the day, it's their business, you know,' she told USA TODAY. Did Carnival ban clacking fans and the 'Wobble' line dance? No. Handheld clack or clap fans are not banned, though they are prohibited in nightclubs and other indoor dance floors for safety reasons as of June, Lupoli said. However, Ramnarine said that particular change did feel 'pointed towards Black people' given the song and dance's popularity within the Black community. 'And as someone who leads a community of Black cruisers on cruises, it's kind of disappointing because there's so many other things that are more important,' she said. Carnival did not immediately respond to an additional request for comment on Ramnarine's experience. The 'Wobble' is not banned either, according to Lupoli. The cruise line recently refreshed its Sail Away playlist, so guests may not hear the V.I.C. song there, but it is still played at other events. The cruise line also expanded its nightclub theme nights, Lupoli added, but still plays hip hop and rap among a variety of other genres. Richard Ramnarine said he felt Carnival could have been more vocal about dispelling false narratives circulating online. 'This is the age of social media, where videos are going to go viral and people are going to believe and only hear what they're hearing and seeing on social media when they're not hearing (enough) from Carnival's leadership,' he said.
Boston Globe
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
At BAMS Festival, the full spectrum of Black culture takes the stage
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up In the 'Beat Feet' dance tent, Stiggity Stackz offered breakdancing workshops, Boston Rhythm Riders demonstrated how to line dance to this year's Southern soul cookout staple 'Boots on the Ground,' and Chanel 'Ms.5678' Thompson taught guests how to move to Jamaican dancehall and Cape Verdean music. Advertisement Speaking after her session, Thompson said she aimed for an uplifting mix of music 'so that people felt joy, ultimate joy, that might be missing in these times that we're in.' It was also common to hear such sentiments from audience members. 'It's important for there to be hypervisibility of Black joy, because right now, I believe that a lot of politicians and even the media are profiting off of Black pain by sharing the worst of what we're going through right now,' said Melanie Wilkerson, 32, who was visiting from Brooklyn when her friends told her about the festival. 'We're going to liberate ourselves and find our joy in the process.' Advertisement Such a need especially exists in Boston, opined Ashé Brooks-Cook. The 42-year-old from Roxbury was at his fourth BAMS Festival. 'You look around, you see us, and there aren't many spaces and places where you see people that look like you, especially in mainstream Boston,' he said. 'So I love just being around my people, the atmosphere, the positivity, the music, the culture.' Hannah Betit (center) dances with others in front of the BAMS Festival stage. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The festival offered inspiration from as far away as Africa — courtesy of a workshop by Afrobeats Dance Boston — and as nearby as the blocks surrounding Franklin Park. At the KidChella family stage, 21-year-old spoken word artist Val Lapree, who grew up in the neighborhood, read a piece called 'Wishful Thinking' that she wrote in the aftermath of the 2020 George Floyd murder. The poem was a sharp, critical look at the concept of 'Boston Strong.' Many of the local artists took advantage of their main stage performances to put together special presentations. Solari Blue into a high-energy revue. Likewise, Boston rap legend Advertisement Titi Ngwenya holds a carnation she bought at BAMS Festival while she listens to live music. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff R&B chanteuse Kasia Lavon had performed at a prior BAMS Festival as a background vocalist for rapper Red Shaydez. This year, she got to lead her own ensemble and highlight her powerful songwriting skills. Speaking after her set, Lavon said her band and singers had spent months planning and rehearsing every element of the set — including her bold red and pink outfit. 'It was important for us because this is home, and because so many people pour their hearts into this festival to honor Black culture,' said Lavon. Other local performers ranged from the dynamic precision of the recently formed dance crew The Peacekeepers. to the ultra-versatile Boston producer and artist Haasan Barclay, who leaned into his pop and hip-hop sides before strapping on his electric guitar for a blast of punk rock. Watching the crowds stream in after early afternoon sprinkles let up, BAMS Festival board chair While its Franklin Park presence shrank from two days to one this year, the festival expanded its reach with Advertisement Noah Schaffer can be reached at . Jeffrey Kelly can be reached at
