Dance is a unique art form in that the medium it utilizes is the human body itself. Simply through purposeful and graceful control of movement, dancers can express and evoke joy, sadness, fear, confusion—the whole range of human emotion. And when dancing is done well, it’s utterly mesmerizing.

Such is the case with Mariandrea, a 14-year-old from Mexico who auditioned for America’s Got Talent in July of 2023 and wowed both the judges and the audience with her dance performance. She has been dancing since she was 5, and as Simon Cowell pointed out, it’s clear that she was born to do this.

After showing off her sparkling personality during the pre-performance interview, Mariandrea danced to a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” personifying the song in her performance. But it wasn’t just her intentional movement that reflected the emotional complexity of the ever-popular hit. Her facial expressions, ranging from subtle fear to a clown-like smile to genuine sorrow to angry defiance, change on a dime, adding an acting element to her routine that takes it to the next level.

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Add in the incredible control she has of her body as it twists and turns and seems to defy gravity, both gracefully flowing and disturbingly contorting, and it’s easy to see why she earned a standing ovation and enthusiastic praise from all four judges.

Watch:

For someone so young to have such a strong grasp of her craft is quite extraordinary, and people were wowed by her talent as well as her showmanship.

“I had to watch this more than once. Her smile, energy, and face reminds me of a young Natalie Portman. You can tell she is more than a dancer also, very intelligent, expressive, talented, yes acting too. Wow! Congratulations!” shared one commenter.

“This young lady has a very bright future ahead of her! The passion that she emanated while dancing was above and beyond what we have seen in half the dancers that are older than her… Can’t wait to see what she does next!!!” wrote another.

“Stunned. I would have given her a golden buzzer. The sharpness, flexibility, timing, theatrics, and costume use. 10/10,” shared another.

One commenter pointed out that her dance felt like a monologue, and another person called it “absolute art.” Many people expressed disappointment that she didn’t receive the Golden Buzzer, which would propel her immediately to the final round. But if her other performances are anything like this one, she’s got a pretty decent chance of making it to the finals without it.

This article originally appeared on 9.18.23

Think back to all those centuries ago (kidding), when you were but a wee teen in high school. Suddenly identity exploration and finding a sense of belonging become paramount. In those pivotal years, you meet other like-minded individuals with similar tastes and interests, and those people become your exclusive group of friends, otherwise known as a clique.

High school might look very different now than how it once did, but this rite of passage is still very much alive and well. Just ask Ms. C, who goes by the handle @stillateacher on TikTok.

Ms. C recently went viral for sharing a look at high school cliques from her perspective as a teacher, honing in on what she liked about teaching each clique. Her observations illuminate not only that yes, cliques persist (and with them their inherent problems) but that there’s something genuine, sweet and loveable about each one.

First on deck—the goth kids, primarily because Ms. C admits to being scared of them when she was a kid. But now, after actually connecting with a few, she insists that underneath those dark and gloomy exteriors lies genuine kindness.

“A common interaction between me and a goth kid is throughout class, they’re just kind of like giving me a death glare…And then after class, they just like linger around by my desk and I’m like, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ And they’ll just like lightly knock over something on my desk and be like, ‘You’re a really good teacher. This is my favorite class.’ and then just walk out,” she says in the clip.

So yeah, goth kids are just like cats. Misunderstood in the way they show love.

@stillateacher Something loveable about every clique #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teachertok #highschool #clique ♬ original sound – Ms. C

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Ms. C tackles theater kids next. Sure, this group has a big personality (perhaps too big for some), but Ms. C appreciates their brazen self-assurance.

“They reeeeealllly don’t care what anyone thinks,” she says, explaining that while other students add well-known pop singers to her class playlist, theater kids will shamelessly put in their favorite show tunes. Why? Because it’s “the best musical of all time!” Duh.

Plus, Ms. C commends their “really strong literacy skills from reading and memorizing all of these plays.”

For jocks, there are actually sub-cliques within the group “depending on which sport you play.” But despite each sport team having different personalities, Ms. C notes that a supportive coach makes all the difference.

“I’ve literally before picked up my phone and called the coach and then like be like, ‘So and so is having a tough day,’ and they come and talk to them in the hallway and the student is like immediately changed, inspired, transformed,” she says.

And while she admits that the teacher/jock relationship is often portrayed as contentious, she can’t help but commend jocks for their passion and commitment.

“A lot of the kids are just like die-hard for whatever sport they play. That keeps them coming to school consistently. It keeps them having something to do,” she says.

After her initial post received over 800,000 views, Ms. C began reviewing even more cliques. Like band kids, who are “clever,” “sarcastic,” fond of outdated memes and generally “lead a fun, joyful existence.”

@stillateacher Replying to @juan pablo Suarez band kids get a 5 star review #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teachertok #highschool #clique ♬ original sound – Ms. C

Or art kids, who are “self-deprecating” but “brilliant” and “generous” and “unproblematic royalty” overall.

@stillateacher Replying to @Escape_My_Reality ♬ original sound – Ms. C

Ms. C has even advocated for the AP overachievers, who are often labeled as insufferable in their eagerness.

@stillateacher Replying to @520momo_mama I will defend overachievers to the death #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teachertok #highschool #clique ♬ original sound – Ms. C

“You all have an edge and an intensity that you can leverage to lead truly extraordinary lives,” says, before joking that they’ll “also need a lot of therapy, so many blessings to you on that journey, and the earlier you start the better.”

Requests for more clique reviews are still rolling in, asking Ms. C to cover the skater punks, the nerds, the speech and debate team, cheerleaders and dancers, …and a lot of folks have suggested choir kids. So be sure to follow Ms. C for more wholesome entertainment.

High school cliques might evolve with the different generations, but one thing that will never change is that they each have something unique to offer.

This article originally appeared on 9.18.23

Dogs are naturally driven by a sense of purpose and a need for belonging, which are all part of their instinctual pack behavior. When a dog has a job to do, it taps into its needs for structure, purpose, and the feeling of contributing to its pack, which in a domestic setting translates to its human family.

But let’s be honest: In a traditional domestic setting, dogs have fewer chores they can do as they would on a farm or as part of a rescue unit. A doggy mom in Vancouver Island, Canada had fun with her dog’s purposeful uselessness by sharing the 5 “chores” her pitbull-Lab mix does around the house.

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The mom says Rhubarb has chores because “we didn’t raise a freeloader.”

No freeloaders on my watch 🙅🏻‍♀️ 

@rhubarbthedoggo

No freeloaders on my watch 🙅🏻‍♀️ #pittiesoftiktok #dogtiktokers #dogsoftiktok #pitbulllove #pibblelove #pibbles #pibblemixesoftiktok #pitbullmix #dogfluencers #doggotiktoker #dogmomsoftiktok #dogmomlife #dogmoms #dogtiktokviral #dogmomma #prettypitty #prettypittie #prettypitties #dogrelatable #relatabledogmom #relatabledog

Here are 5 “chores” that Rhubarb has mastered.

1. Makes sure the laundry doesn’t get cold

Translation: Sits on top of the clean laundry, ready to be folded.

2. Unlicensed therapist

Translation: Gives us kisses when we’re tired or feeling down.

3. Supervise repairs

Translation: She gets in the way when you’re in a compromised, uncomfortable position with a wrench in your hand.

4. Alerts us when there’s an intruder

Translation: Stands at the window and barks furiously at the mailman.

5. Keeps mum’s spot warm

Translation: Lays in her spot on her favorite chair in the living room.

The video inspired some funny responses in the comments.

“He’s carrying that household on his back. Give him a raise,” Tatiana, Esq. wrote. “Obviously the most valuable member of the household,” DJTrainor51 added.

This article originally appeared on 3.26.24

Experts agree that while cats can feel emotions like comfort, lust, rage, fear, grief etc., they don’t experience the more complex and thought-driven feelings of jealousy and vengeance.

However, there’s one viral tabby that’s putting those conjectures to question, and his name is Milo.

Though Milo’s mom Erika Longo has documented several of his schemes on TikTok and Instagram, the one posted on May 25th really seems to prove that this naughty kitty is an “evil genius.”

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In the clip, Longo explained that she hadn’t seen her other cat Poppy for about an hour. And there was Milo laying on a blanket chest all innocent-like. Suspecting something was up, Longo opened up the chest, and there was Poppy.

Longo at first thought the whole thing was an accident. But as we will soon find out…“it’s never an accident with Milo.”

Turns out this naughty kitty hatched a plan to open the chest, jump inside, lure Poppy into said chest, and then hop onto the lid to trap her inside!

Watch below to see him caught in the act:

See on Instagram

Millions of viewers across multiple platforms agreed that this cat knew exactly what he was doing—but they love him anyway.

“These are premeditated crimes. We need a whole documentary series on this sinister genius,” one person commented.

Another wrote, “Milo definitely lets his intrusive thoughts win…EVERY TIME.”

Findings in a Japanese study from 2021 do show that cats have the mental capacity to both use their imagination and plan ahead, which Milo clearly seems to be excelling at. As to whether it’s all part of some evil plot, or merely a sick, twisted form of entertainment…well, the jury’s still out on that. But it’s so adorable no one’s complaining. Except maybe poor Poppy. To enjoy more of Milo’s shenanigans, follow him on TikTok and Instagram.

If you want to see “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” this past weekend, you might have noticed a familiar face. No, not Anya Taylor-Joy or Chris Hemsworth. We’re talking about Quaden Bayles.

Quaden went viral a few years ago after his mom, Yarraka Bayles, posted a gut wrenching video showing how her young son was crying in anguish and begging for a rope to end his life—all due to being bullied for his dwarfism. Her hope was that it might educate others about cruelty and discrimination.

Millions of hearts broke for Quaden worldwide, and he received a huge amount of support, including from celebrities like Hugh Jackman, Mark Hamill and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

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George Miller, director of “Furiosa” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” would later offer Quaden an extra role in his film “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” released back in 2022. That would be Quaden’s first taste of fun costumes and red carpet movie premieres…but certainly not his last.

Cut to May 23rd, 2024, and Quaden plays a badass war boy on “Furiosa,” and has been getting high praise for his work on it.

“I loved his role in the move. He made it more enjoyable,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “was a brilliant film…he was great.”

Yarraka shared a photo of her son smiling next to Taylor-Joy on set and in full makeup. What an amazing 180.

“I always say that the best revenge is success and now you dear Quaden are proving this to be true.Where are those bullies now? Watching you in the cinema and hopefully regretting their actions. Go you Quaden! You are a superstar buddy,” one person commented on Facebook.

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have bullies. But, sadly, we do. As we can see here though, people have the collective power to help turn someone’s life around. When someone is being treated unfairly, all it might take is one gesture of compassion to start a chain reaction that helps that person heal and feel a little less alone. It’s nice to be reminded that compassion is just as contagious as cruelty.

That Rihanna reign just won’t let up. Even without a new album out, the “Lift Me Up” singer has still managed to set another milestone in music.

Yesterday (May 31), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) revealed that three of Rihanna’s beloved tracks earned diamond certification. With the numbers officially tallied, Rihanna added two shiny new accolades to her resume, including most diamond singles for a woman artist (6) and most diamond certified titles for a woman artist (7).

Rihanna took to her official X (formerly Twitter) page to celebrate the achievement.

“Ain’t no back n forth,” she wrote, reposting a custom graphic designed by management Roc Nation.

So, which of Rihanna’s bangers are classified as diamond? If you are a superfan (The Navy), the success of these records shouldn’t serve as a surprise. As of May 31, Rihanna’s 2007 song “Umbrella,” which featured Jay-Z, 2012’s “Stay,” as well as 2016’s “Needed Me” and “Work,” which featured Drake all entered RIAA’s diamond club.

In April, the 2011 crossover smash “We Found Love,” which featured Calvin Harris and “Diamonds” were classified as diamond tracks. Over a decade ago (May 2013), Rihanna snagged a diamond record as the featured guest on Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie.”

The detailed metrics and more data can be found on RIAA’s official website. Find more information here.

Rihanna claims new music is on the way. But until that happens, her supporters have a few undeniable bops to enjoy while they wait R9’s release.

June is upon us, and you know what that means: a new season of The Bear is coming from FX on Hulu. As for the rest of the month? The number of essential watches is smaller, but they are most decidedly mightier. From a return to the kitchen to a rallying of the forces on Westeros to the baddest version of Homelander we’ve seen yet, your TV screen will get a workout.

Will that screen grow as hot in temperature as it will be outside? No way, and that’s the beauty of obsessing over TV in the heat of summer. Get down, Chefs, and consider these must see shows for June 2024.

The Mayor Of Kingstown: Season 2 (Paramount+ series streaming on 6/2)

Jeremy Renner returned to the Taylor Sheridan scene after substantial recovery from his near-deadly snowplow accident. As a result, the crime drama returns with Mike McLusky feeling pressure to end the drug war with the Russian mob complicating matters, but naturally, a blast from the past threatens his prospective peace, and at the same time, Kingstown is being plagued by explosions. It’s not Yellowstone‘s final episodes, but Sheridan-heads will be tuning in regardless.

Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1 (Disney+ series streaming on 6/4)

Did you have Star Wars procedural series of sorts on your 2024 bingo card? That’s not exactly what you’ll find here, but still, this diplomatic-mission story promises a different type of experience for fans of a galaxy far, far away. The events of this show transpire in the High Republic era, during which clue-hunting gets dark after a crime spree leads to conflict between a Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) and a warrior (Amanda Stenberg).

Sweet Tooth: Season 3 (Netflix series streaming on 6/6)

Team Downey’s savory slam-dunk series has returned to put a bow on the post-apocalyptic adventures of Gus and Jeopardy. In this final season, the questing parties head to Alaska in search of Gus’ mother, who is on a search of her own for the origins of the Sick. Unfortunately, Gus is the target of a new threat on the horizon, so it’s anyone’s guess how the hybrids and humanity will fare in the end.

Bridgerton: Season 3 Part 2 (Netflix series streaming on 6/13)

Those Kanthony scratch marks need to be one-upped, and Polin already did those honors in the carriage, but there’s more to come in that department. In the final half of this season, Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown could very well ruin everything with Colin, but we shall have to see what happens when that truth comes out. Despite losing the Duke a few seasons ago, this show has managed to keep the horny-fires burning for each consecutive season, and Netflix definitely knows their audience, so expect to see much more steam while we wait for all society-hell to break loose.

The Boys: Season 4 (Prime Video/Amazon series streaming on 6/13)

Although it does not seem possible, Hom(i)elander manages to be worse than ever this season while warming up two new Supes for the Seven. He believes that he is using that Gen V cameo to his advantage, but here’s something else: Billy Butcher will be doing the same. Beyond that clash, Butcher will need to make nice again with the vigilantes, and you know that they will give him hell but eventually climb onboard. This season, Starlight has also fully defected from Vought, and Victoria Neuman is continuing to build her power after revelations that she is a blood bender. The lingering question, however, would be this: how many prosthetic penises will we see this season? (Dammit, I cannot count that high.)

Hotel Cocaine: Season 1 (MGM+ series streaming on 6/16)

Danny Pino is fresh off his Mayans M.C. run for a slightly lighter number of a streaming show, and honestly, good for him. Pino portrays Roman Compte, the Mutiny Hotel’s GM who helps build the notorious establishment’s “Casablanca on cocaine” reputation. Narcos fans should get a real kick out of this series, and cocaine shows are so hot right now.

House of the Dragon: Season 2 (HBO series streaming on Max 6/16)

Is it possible for Daemon to become even more of a cad? Get ready to see that happen. This season will begin shortly after the deaths of Luc and Viserys, and the Targaryen civil war shall begin. Westeros devotees already know how this will end, but that will not even slightly diminish the thrill of watching the fire beasts take to the sky as Team Black and Team Green begin gathering alliances and beginning that tragic fight for the Iron Throne. Also yes, Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke’s chemistry is incredible, but sadly, they won’t have any screen time together in this season unless the source material experiences a drastic change. And yes, that’s possible, but only HBO knows what’s coming as of now.

The Bear: Season 3 (FX on Hulu series streaming on 6/27)

Cousin Richie. Enough said? We’ll see if he continues wearing suits after finding himself last season and being the unexpected MVP of Friends and Fam night. From there, Carmy and Natalie will need to figure out how to repay that massive loan, fast, and you know that Carmy will probably be even more obsessed with securing a Michelin star. Beyond that hot mess in the making, this show is coming back with Emmy acting wins for Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Jeremy Allen White. So, expectations are through the roof after the second season kept the fires going while switching narrative gears, and now, it’s down to business with the new restaurant. Get ready to be stressed out again and love it.

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from Cardi B, Eminem, and Roddy Ricch.

Cardi may be contemplating withholding her long-awaited second album for yet another year, but that didn’t stop her from teaming up with her fellow blazing stars, Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla, on their hit single “Wanna Be.”

Eminem kicked off the rollout for his new album, The Death Of Slim Shady, with “Houdini.”

Roddy Ricch returned to soulful form on his prayerful new single, “Survivors Remorse.”

Polo G reflected on his tumultuous past as he restarted his Hood Poet rollout (again) with “Angels In The Sky.”

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending May 31, 2024.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Belly — 96 Miles From Bethlehem

Belly is Palestinian-Canadian, so the conflict in Gaza has resonated throughout his life. His new nine-track project speaks to its impact; the title is a reference to his birthplace, Jenin, and its fateful location. The album features a slew of Belly’s fellow Palestinian artists, including Elyanna, Saint Levant, Ibrahim Maalouf, and MC Abdul, and is a poignant plea for peace.

Big Hit, Hit-Boy & The Alchemist — Blacks & Whites

Wow, what a collection of names. Hit-Boy and The Alchemist are two of Southern California’s finest veteran beat makers, teaming up with Hit’s pops as the primary rapper (the album title is fitting in more ways than one). The OG keeps up with the young pups, seasoning his unhurried gangsta observations with the wisdom of a seasoned street soldier.

Dave East — Apt 6E

Teaming up with producer partners Mike & Keys, the Harlem rapper delivers more of his signature tough talk on this follow-up to the 2023 album, Fortune Favors the Bold. There are some surprising names included on the guest list, including West Coasters Buddy and Kurupt, but perhaps none is more eyebrow-raising than that of Shaggy.

Yung Pinch — Letters From The West

I’ve been resistant to include the Huntington Beach native in previous columns — I will freely admit my bias against that hellhole — but I gave the first few tracks a spin, and my ears didn’t fall off. I was pleasantly surprised by the earnestness of the opening track, “Letters,” I could easily picture the upbeat tracks supporting a summer shindig or two, and hey, there’s 03 Greedo to bridge the gap between South Central and the worst place in a 30-mile radius.

Singles/Videos

Concrete Boys — “Not Da 2” Feat. Karrahbooo & Lil Yachty

It’s very hard to find any flaws in Lil Yachty’s rollout for his new crew, Concrete Boys. They are a solid group, as befits their name, but even more solid is the decision to highlight Karrahbooo specifically, as she has the It Factor that suggests she’d be a star with or without the big-name co-sign.

Logic — “Deja Vu” Feat. DJ Drama

For all the fuss that’s been made of late about colorism and culture with regard to hip-hop, it’s probably not the best time for Logic to poke his head out. But, if he’s going to, there are probably worse phone numbers to call for backup than DJ Drama, who has been riding high on a solid string of Gangsta Grillz team-ups that includes Tyler The Creator’s Grammy-winning effort, Call Me If You Get Lost.

Meek Mill — “5AM In Philly”

For a moment, just set aside the obvious pettiness of the title. Just let the words wash over you. Take in the stomach-dropping imagery, the pained recollections, the bitterness, the fear, the anger, and the desperation conveyed in the raw lyricism. Admit that if all Meek did was rap, it’d be enough.

Mo3 — “AR” Feat. That Mexican OT & BigXThaPlug

The late Texan standout never really had the chance to collab directly with fellow Lone Star upstarts OT and BigX, but something about this posthumous combination feels authentic anyway. These are guys who’d have gotten along famously, and the features are a symbol of just how beloved Mo3 was in his home state.

As women work their way towards equality when it comes to the division of domestic labor, a new trend has them pointing out how men use weaponized incompetence to get out of their responsibilities.

Weaponized incompetence is a strategy in which someone appears incapable of performing specific tasks so that someone else has to pick up the slack. Many men use this tactic to make women primarily responsible for household chores, cooking and caring for children.

“This is something that women have been dealing with all their lives,” Nadine Shaanta Murshid, PhD, associate professor of social work at the University at Buffalo, believed to have coined the term, told The Skimm. “The idea is that men are not good at certain things like domestic labor. And so, why not have women who are good at it, do it, because they’re naturally predisposed to being good at this?”

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A Redditor who goes by the name Latitude32 shared a powerful example of weaponized incompetence on a women’s forum in a post that has received over 1,300 comments. The post is titled: “Husband asked me how to do mac and cheese.”

“The kids had to be fed and I started a pot to make mac and cheese,” Latitude32 wrote. “I left it cooking to move on to the next task — to bathe our dog. I asked my husband to finish up the mac and cheese so I could continue bathing our dog.”

Unfortunately, he needed help making macaroni and cheese, a dish with only a few basic steps. This was strange because the man was an IT engineer who knew a thing or two about reading instructions and carrying out complex tasks.

“I’m elbow deep in dog hair and soap and the next thing I know, he had the nerve to ask me, ‘What do I do after draining the pasta?’ EXCUSE ME? Our kids are 13 and 5, so he has done mac and cheese MULTIPLE TIMES by now. Additionally, the instructions are, literally, ON THE BOX,” Latitude32 continued.

Her response to her husband? “Some of the best chefs in the world are men and you should figure it out.”

“If this isn’t weaponized incompetence, I don’t know what is,” Latitude32 concluded her post. “I can’t help but think we’ve set up the bar for guys waaaay too low.”

The post received many comments from women complaining that their husbands relied on weaponized incompetence to shield them from household responsibilities. However, many shared some constructive advice on how they solved the problem by setting appropriate boundaries with their husbands.

“My favorite saying always works here. ‘Pretend I’m dead. What would you do?’ I will not allow the weaponized incompetence,” Socialmediaignorant wrote. “If my husband pulls that ‘oh how do you do a simple task,’ I remind him he has THREE degrees, so I have every faith in him to figure it out,” No-Winter1049 added.

“I had a colleague whose rule for her husband and son was, ‘If they don’t do it well the first time, make sure they do it repeatedly until they’re good at it.’ They learned quickly that helplessness was not their friend,” Humanityrus wrote.

Not all men use weaponized incompetence to get out of household responsibilities. Plenty of adults respect their partners by pulling their fair share around the house. However, posts like Latitide32’s are a great way of explaining the tactics their significant others may use to avoid pulling their weight. When we expose the roots of a problem, it becomes a lot easier to identify and then, fix.