I was just listening to his TED talk today. I must of caught a link on twitter. I was pondering the power of creativity in the learning process. I am an elementary school teacher. Our language arts units are organized around concepts and themes. I ju3st finished a 6 week cycle looking at imagination. Our selection stories "demonstrated" the use of imagination. In times of standards based education and the use of pacing plans, taking teachable moments and allowing our students to express their imagination is more important then ever. Thanks for the links for further reading. I am listening to the podcast right now.

Darren,
This is one of my guilty pleasures. My son got me to watch this show and we cheer this dance crew every week. It's down to the final 3 on MTV tonight if you are interested.

This is where some of our kids are putting their energy.

I just downloaded his TED talk to my iPod last night. Thanks for the extra links. I can see the draw in their art. The Broadway show Blast and the crew from Cirque Du Soleil hold the same interest for me. I'm glad I took the time to watch the video.

@Jose I've watched that TedTalk more times than I remember. I get something more out of it each time. He's an excellent speaker. In the Phorecast podcast I linked to you can hear the passion in his voice as he speaks.

@Karen I've just been introduced to this dance troupe by my students and I'm completely hooked; I've become a fan. The guys seem to be all over the map ethnically but when they put on those masks it's like they take on the role of "everyman." That coupled with the way their dance always tells a story (very reminiscent of Dan Pink's "A Whole New Mind" -- another excellent read) really resonates with me.

@njtechteacher I'm a HUGE Cirque de Soleil fan! You're right, the Jabbawockeez style is very reminiscent of the Cirque de Soleil. I haven't come across the Broadway show Blast yet. Thanks for the tip; I just added it to my "must see" list. ;-)

Jabbas are just kick ass.. now wonder they won the contest, and still they remain humble to there performance. found a video reactions from the Jabbawockeez dance crew as well as judges Lil Mama, Shane Sparks, and J.C. Chasez. Jabbawockeez take the championship

I love that line you put in about the Jabbawockeez. All of their performances are jaw-dropping and I'm not ashamed to say that I've got Jabba Phi-ver.

One of the most creative dance crew/group. Every movement has been choreographed to give life to the music. The mask is there to show the viewers that the group is one. So that when you watch them dance you won't see a specific member of the group dancing, but the group as a whole. :)