A Call For Dancers - London Project Jan 2011

I used to Rep Dean at Retna and PYMCA, Good Photographer, and a Happy Man!!

Mal.C.

I used to Rep Dean at Retna and PYMCA, Good Photographer, and a Happy Man!!

Mal.C.

Carl Piper from kingsway hall on here as boxerbeat or young liam and alex if they want a bit younger that yocky and nels not bad either lol hope this is of help

No doubt the usual suspects will prostitute the scene yet again making it a pastiche of what was once a very proud and credible scene, tisk tisk, when will we ever learn?

No doubt the usual suspects will prostitute the scene yet again making it a pastiche of what was once a very proud and credible scene, tisk tisk, when will we ever learn?

Hey you are a good dancer simon get thi shorts and dockers on and get thi sen to the big city LOL

I'd rather eat me own dung

Had a request to put up this shout, there's an info email at the bottom

Photographer Dean Chalkley.

https://www.deanchalkley.com/

Dean is famous for his iconic portraits of the world's brightest music stars and compelling snapshots of youth sub-cultures - one exhibition you may have see recently is called

'The New Faces' which launched in April 2010 and revolves around the mod scene.

https://www.creativer...n-the-new-faces

His new project will touch on the Northern Soul and Rare Soul scene.

It is a short film and Photographic Project.

It will be presented through the bi annual culture and fashion magazine '125'.

So we are looking for good youthful Northern Soul dancers, a mixture of male and female.

The people we are looking for should also be able to dance well to Northern Soul, it would be good if some are able to do the more acrobatic style of dancing (i.e. spins, backdrops, and a bit of floor work too) but not all have to - so if you consider yourself a good dancer and are interested in getting involved then send me a message!

The potential shoot days will be 16 January and 30 January in a central London

location.

On 16 January there will be small group of dancers required and on 30 January a larger crowd will be needed.

So if you are free and would like to be involved in this exciting project then please send your details including your photo, if possible a camera phone video of yourself doing some moves, an email address and telephone number to

info@lookslondon.com

Many thanks

Kelly

Click here to view the article

had a couple of pms, so just a reminder you do need to use the email given above

ta

mike

I will email the person. There is a massive shortage of 3D content at the moment. Not sport of course, but dance, music, theatre other etc. The UK is leading the way with 3D broadcasting and indeed movie technology. This project could well exploit and enhance the viewer experience by considering shooting in 3D (with a 2D version too). Something like this could showcase the dancing like never before, and get the material into interesting places where 3D is being trialled, showcased, broadcasted and featured......

Don't forget, anybody who has knowledge of this scene can change and influence producers on the shoot who may not be so familiar with the history of this music. If something goes down in the can it's better to have and don't need rather than need and don't have. It's refreshing to see some creativity again regarding this phenomena and a special invitation to those who may aspire to something interesting with their musical passions.

Iconic portraits make iconic money, so is he paying the dancers on this?

"His new project will touch on the Northern Soul and Rare Soul scene."

Surely he should be asking for some fat old bald blokes to stand around stroking their chins then?

"His new project will touch on the Northern Soul and Rare Soul scene."

Surely he should be asking for some fat old bald blokes to stand around stroking their chins then?

I think anybody appearing in any feature like this should be paid and respected. Whether behind the scenes as a consultant, or actor/dancer. It's all well and good getting people to do things for free, but if the production is commercial, it should be reflected in fees etc. Old bald blokes stroking chins...very funny. I nealry qualify then! On saying that, many balding older gentlemen are those coming up with the investment for new ventures with this music.

There are plenty of under 20's who are awesome soul dancers from what I've seen for the new movie by Elaine.

No doubt the usual suspects will prostitute the scene yet again making it a pastiche of what was once a very proud and credible scene, tisk tisk, when will we ever learn?

Maybe it was a long time ago Simon.

Just call those geezers who did the Paul O'Grady show, they'll be up for it.

Offer inclusive of Spencers, tank tops & cheese sarns all round.

loving this happy go lucky vibe

whats wrong with putting up a shout asking for good youthfull northern dancers

sure they'd get a kicking if they just winged it

Lottie's in... and interested in more than just being photographed as she want's to be an alternative photographer herself so will be an excellent opportunity to see a professional in action. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold from sidelines.

It looks like yet again we are going to have someone try to boil down our beloved scene so it can be presented in a convenient package so Joe Public can pretend to have a handle on what is at best a complex culture with many layers.

The stereo typical "Soul Boy" Oxford Bags and Feather Cuts is as fake as a tyranny's fanny!

If you want the reality then you have to follow with your cameras, not "Build it and they will come" because those who do "come" are as a typical and as representative of the Northernsoul scene as a bowler hat represents England!

If the "scene" is to be captured then it should be warts n all, we are all middle aged now with a slack handful of youngsters playing dressing up, I have nothing against people having fun and I'm not taking it too seriously it's just that the impact of these instant media bites resonate for eternity and there is more, and a lot more, to the Northernsoul than a jaunty pose or a back drop.

I care passionately about who we are and how we are portrayed, maybe the photographer would be better off coming to an Allnighter to see the sweat, wrinkles and passion rather than try to revisit Wigan Casino every time a reference to Northernsoul is made.

Yours, Simon Cuerden, not particularly trendy, not particularly photogenic but particular about Northernsoul.

well said imber..

toad who carnt dance ?

Youth sub culture , where ? tell him to piss off

Right thats me done back underground

It looks like yet again we are going to have someone try to boil down our beloved scene so it can be presented in a convenient package so Joe Public can pretend to have a handle on what is at best a complex culture with many layers.

The stereo typical "Soul Boy" Oxford Bags and Feather Cuts is as fake as a tyranny's fanny!

If you want the reality then you have to follow with your cameras, not "Build it and they will come" because those who do "come" are as a typical and as representative of the Northernsoul scene as a bowler hat represents England!

If the "scene" is to be captured then it should be warts n all, we are all middle aged now with a slack handful of youngsters playing dressing up, I have nothing against people having fun and I'm not taking it too seriously it's just that the impact of these instant media bites resonate for eternity and there is more, and a lot more, to the Northernsoul than a jaunty pose or a back drop.

I care passionately about who we are and how we are portrayed, maybe the photographer would be better off coming to an Allnighter to see the sweat, wrinkles and passion rather than try to revisit Wigan Casino every time a reference to Northernsoul is made.

Yours, Simon Cuerden, not particularly trendy, not particularly photogenic but particular about Northernsoul.

is there another news item somewhere ?

where do you get wigan, feather cuts , bags and all that from ?

post passed on reads like just some photographer guy shouting for a few youthful northern dancers for some photo shoot

from what read the guy may have some sort of handle on things with a mod related background

https://www.deanchalkley.com/html/biography.htm

not my cup of tea, but as you can read it is of interest to some members

all reads like a genuine shout and a genuine attempt to get genuine people involved to me

loving this happy go lucky vibe

whats wrong with putting up a shout asking for good youthfull northern dancers

sure they'd get a kicking if they just winged it

Nothings wrong with it Mike, but my take on it is that, in my experience, every time someone comes along to look up the skirts of Northern Soul they already know what they want to see and so that is what they will show regardless of what they actually see.

My view of the scene is that it is made up of a slightly different set of people with a passion for something that the mainstream doesn't know about or understand; people that don't want to be mainstream. There is an edge about it and occasionally a coolness but that only wafts around the edges. Every so often the mainstream gets a sniff of it and wants a bit - each time they do they chip a bit off and then p*ss off.

I was only half joking in my previous comment, I'd like to see someone take some pictures of what is happening now and portray things for what they are, interview some people and get a real feel for the scene now and also people's view of what it was and has been. Portray the love of the music and the allure of collecting records, the dancing is a big part of the scene but the last few times I went out it seemed a secondary issue to most - it is in your head but not necessarily still in your legs. There are tons of interesting characters about and the small crowd of people that regularly go to nighters (of which I am not and never have been one) are well worth photographing and interviewing.

At a Cleethorpes in the early noughties Jo W nicked someone's video camera and interviewed people at random through the Saturday night. The result was incredible, funny and passionate footage - no idea where it has got to.

Why can't one of these creative johnnies produce something like that? Answer - Because they have no idea what they are looking at. They deserve having the p*ss taken out of them.

Simon, the opportunity is for ANY dancer who think they can cut it. its not about bags/vests/circle skirts, its about being able to dance and dance well for an exhibition. nowhere on his ad does it mention you have to be in a particular style of clothing

It is open to ALL..

seems to me, a lot of the older folk on the scene are frightened of youngsters (under 30) . I feel fat and old when i see em, but i dont mind one bit when i see the younger generation enjoying the music

IAN

p.s. Debbie is wearing her fishnets and a basque

Dean who is doing this isn't coming in with zero idea of what the Northern Soul scene is about. Do you have to have a certificate signed by registered Northern Soulies to prove your "credibility" ?

Most of you who are moaning aren't eligible anyway so what's your beef?

Dean who is doing this isn't coming in with zero idea of what the Northern Soul scene is about. Do you have to have a certificate signed by registered Northern Soulies to prove your "credibility" ?

Most of you who are moaning aren't eligible anyway so what's your beef?

My beef......... Show me one credible media driven attempt to capture an honest view of the Northern soul scene you will be hard pushed to find one .

Oh there you go dancers on the Duffy vid , Soulboy . Paul O, Grady , Trevor Nelson and not forgeting Jazzy B

My beef......... Show me one credible media driven attempt to capture an honest view of the Northern soul scene you will be hard pushed to find one .

Oh there you go dancers on the Duffy vid , Soulboy . Paul O, Grady , Trevor Nelson and not forgeting Jazzy B

An honest view?

Well if that's what you want then you're right, some cool photo shoot in London with young fit dancers aint gonna portray that!

Everyone's got their nickers in a twist... it's just a photoshoot of a 'culture' a 'movement' nothing more. The photographer is 'famous for his iconic portraits'. Mountain out of a molehill where some comments here are concerned

Edit to include this from his website:

Also, I felt it necessary to mention that this project has no outside funding, which means that Dean will be paying for the whole thing himself. Therefore what is being asked is for people to donate their time.

An honest view?

Well if that's what you want then you're right, some cool photo shoot in London with young fit dancers aint gonna portray that!

That's the beef.

I was going to post a long winded and reasonable view on this project and the postings by various people on the thread......................but can't be arsed,same old arguaments,same old touchy defences.

Why when someone proposes a film/photoshoot whatever can they not be honest and put in the description "In the style of" or some such disclaimer....................this filmaker did a photoshoot with"Mods"................unless he has a Tardis,no he didn't.............he did a photoshoot with some people that like the fashions of the late sixties.

If he wants young people to dance in a style that their parents did,then thats fine,just say so.....................but that isn't what todays scene is about...............it isn't what yesterdays scene was about..............or the days before.

The project should be called"A modern take of a snapshot in time of a fictional idea in someones head about an underground music scene from many years ago"...................or is that a bit long winded?

Steve.

My beef......... Show me one credible media driven attempt to capture an honest view of the Northern soul scene you will be hard pushed to find one .

Oh there you go dancers on the Duffy vid , Soulboy . Paul O, Grady , Trevor Nelson and not forgeting Jazzy B

You seem to have missed Function at the junction out of that little list, and This England (both of which get slagged privately but when it comes to stuff like this on the public forum don't get mentioned, probably for fear of upsetting the rearguard)?

Seems some people assume these young 'ens to know f*ck all about the scene. Absolutely not the case i would say. They might not have the years of experience but the majority, like many of other NS fans, do their research, love records, some love buying records, attend nighters, love rare soul etc etc. An YES, most DO GET IT!!

A bit like Karen said, since when was this thing gonna be a massive project thrust into the public eye??

Seems like he's done other 'underground' things before so what's to say it won't be good?

this filmaker did a photoshoot with"Mods"................unless he has a Tardis,no he didn't.............he did a photoshoot with some people that like the fashions of the late sixties.

So Mods can't exist in today's world then? Isn't being a Mod about your way of life and your attitude, as well as image and music?

So Mods can't exist in today's world then? Isn't being a Mod about your way of life and your attitude, as well as image and music?

Any body can exist in this world in any shape or form that they choose.

I know someone who swears he is Zarg from the planet Zorg.

Any body can exist in this world in any shape or form that they choose.

I know someone who swears he is Zarg from the planet Zorg.

i'll bet he's been into the suphates

So Mods can't exist in today's world then? Isn't being a Mod about your way of life and your attitude, as well as image and music?

You're spot on mate!

There are plenty of under 20's who are awesome soul dancers from what I've seen for the new movie by Elaine.

jellybean Daughter ONE GIRL WHO CUT THE FLOOR :yes:billy

You're spot on mate!

The point I was trying to make,that you guys didn't seem to pick up on ,is that this guy is filming and I quote"Youth Sub-culture"

YOUTH subculture isn't the current soul scene,whichever term you wish to use to describe it,nor is it the latest iteration of the "Mod Scene" or Rockabilly or Swing......................... or even the Charleston.

Whilst there may be young people on the scene,that is a totally different issue.

Mods were modernists in the late 50,s,early 60's.......................

This soul scene is said to have really started in the mid to late 60's

It was a youth sub-culture when I started playing out in the late 60's

If you guys want to be mods,thats your perogative,if you want to call yourselves "Soul Dancers" or "Northern Soulies"----------how I hate that term,fine,but it's not youth subculture.

Oh and by the by.................David Ruffin was awsome when I saw him live ,at the Morgue,in the 60's

Steve.

The only thing I can find to complain about here is the fact that they especially want people who can do the 'acrobatic style' dancing. You know, the sort that went out in 1977 and only show offs and camera bandits have done for the last three decades...

I might be wrong but the current northern soul scene isn't a 'youth explosion', so what is he trying to portray by asking for 'youthful' looking dancers......1973 in 2011? Bit of an insult to those still going, the vast majority of which won't fit his criteria. If someone wants to photograph the northern scene/culture/clothes then do so with what's available, not sanitise it.............anyway what's wrong with air brushing out the wrinkles/bellies and adding hair?

Winnie

The point I was trying to make,that you guys didn't seem to pick up on ,is that this guy is filming and I quote"Youth Sub-culture"

YOUTH subculture isn't the current soul scene,whichever term you wish to use to describe it,nor is it the latest iteration of the "Mod Scene" or Rockabilly or Swing......................... or even the Charleston.

Whilst there may be young people on the scene,that is a totally different issue.

Mods were modernists in the late 50,s,early 60's.......................

This soul scene is said to have really started in the mid to late 60's

It was a youth sub-culture when I started playing out in the late 60's

Steve.

I kind of agree steve, however just because a movement / youth sub culture first occured decades ago does not then mean it can not labelled a youth sub culture in the modern day. The young lads in that article about his new faces piece are mods. They represent a youth sub culture - modernism. Their attitude, music taste etc represents what modernism is all about, and that's what the guy representing. He wasn't representing what it was like to be a mod in the 60's he was representing what these young blokes stand for today.

In terms of the soul scene, I think that's where I agree more with your comments. Shouldn't make a difference young or old here. Surely it's about an expression as to how much the music means to people and trying to portray that. Maybe it's because they're more photogenic!!! :-)

As long as the young ones represent the passion in the photoshots that's fair game?

Will have to see how the video bit goes........

The only thing I can find to complain about here is the fact that they especially want people who can do the 'acrobatic style' dancing. You know, the sort that went out in 1977 and only show offs and camera bandits have done for the last three decades...

Surely you'll get a better photographic experience looking at someone in mid air than someone that looks as though they're just stood on a dance floor?

After all, it's just a photoshoot and not a pictorial historical lesson in northern soul. He's asking for models as opposed to scene dwellers. He's creating art, not a scenes' biography in pictures

After all, it's just a photoshoot and not a pictorial historical lesson in northern soul. He's asking for models as opposed to scene dwellers. He's creating art, not a scenes' biography in pictures

Tracey Emin created art with her unmade bed...........................

Damien Hurst created art with his animals cut in half and pickled in large tanks.............

A pile of bricks was entered for the Turner prize....................

I kind of agree steve, however just because a movement / youth sub culture first occured decades ago does not then mean it can not labelled a youth sub culture in the modern day. The young lads in that article about his new faces piece are mods. They represent a youth sub culture - modernism. Their attitude, music taste etc represents what modernism is all about, and that's what the guy representing. He wasn't representing what it was like to be a mod in the 60's he was representing what these young blokes stand for today.

In terms of the soul scene, I think that's where I agree more with your comments. Shouldn't make a difference young or old here. Surely it's about an expression as to how much the music means to people and trying to portray that. Maybe it's because they're more photogenic!!! :-)

As long as the young ones represent the passion in the photoshots that's fair game?

Will have to see how the video bit goes........

Food for thought,....................maybe I should have researched the Mod article,it just came across to me that the scene/people/whatever are extensions of something old,albeit updated for the present day.I am not denigrating anybody's lifestyle choices,its their lives and if they want to have a certain lifestyle then great,that is their choice.

But.................it just comes across a bit Strictly Come Northern Soul Dancing to me...................Clothing...Check...Acrobatics...Check.....Accessories...Check.....Northern Soul Dinner Service....Check

I might be wrong but the current northern soul scene isn't a 'youth explosion', so what is he trying to portray by asking for 'youthful' looking dancers......1973 in 2011? Bit of an insult to those still going, the vast majority of which won't fit his criteria. If someone wants to photograph the northern scene/culture/clothes then do so with what's available, not sanitise it.............anyway what's wrong with air brushing out the wrinkles/bellies and adding hair?

Winnie

indeed Winston

the scene is about today

Simon, the opportunity is for ANY dancer who think they can cut it. its not about bags/vests/circle skirts, its about being able to dance and dance well for an exhibition. nowhere on his ad does it mention you have to be in a particular style of clothing

It is open to ALL..

seems to me, a lot of the older folk on the scene are frightened of youngsters (under 30) . I feel fat and old when i see em, but i dont mind one bit when i see the younger generation enjoying the music

IAN

p.s. Debbie is wearing her fishnets and a basque :Dsounds nice lan simon u much chill out billy

No doubt the usual suspects will prostitute the scene yet again making it a pastiche of what was once a very proud and credible scene, tisk tisk, when will we ever learn?

I could'nt earn a bean prostituting ha ha

How you doing you old git

Tezz

Trins says hello

My beef......... Show me one credible media driven attempt to capture an honest view of the Northern soul scene you will be hard pushed to find one .

Oh there you go dancers on the Duffy vid , Soulboy . Paul O, Grady , Trevor Nelson and not forgeting Jazzy B

Here's one:

containing dancers of mixed age, including Keb and Tomas (from the current mod scene, who only about 19/20)

Here's one:

containing dancers of mixed age, including Keb and Tomas (from the current mod scene, who only about 19/20)

Sorry, but how exactly is that "an honest view of the Northern soul scene" ?

The only thing I can find to complain about here is the fact that they especially want people who can do the 'acrobatic style' dancing. You know, the sort that went out in 1977 and only show offs and camera bandits have done for the last three decades...

Oh I do hate excessive acrobats. A little bit of floorwork is ok if done right but too many backdrops and excessive high kicking out of tune to the music doesnt constitute good dancing to me. Each to their own and as long as people are having a good time it shouldnt really matter too much how they look.

However, it is different when bad dancing technique is presented to the public as representative of the best in 'Northern Soul style dancing' whatever that is as so many people have their individual styles. The dance off at the end of the film Soul Boy is cringeworthy in the extreme so whatever this project comes out with it would be hard to do worse than the last few mins of that film.

That said it was just a film and so will this project be that. If you dont like the idea of it dont watch it. No need to get too worked up about it. You never know it might end being full of decent dancers.

Surely you'll get a better photographic experience looking at someone in mid air than someone that looks as though they're just stood on a dance floor?

After all, it's just a photoshoot and not a pictorial historical lesson in northern soul. He's asking for models as opposed to scene dwellers. He's creating art, not a scenes' biography in pictures

I think you're talking a load of nonsense, which this photo shoot may or may not be.

To be fair, the photographer is carrying on his work from his "New Faces" exhibition which by all accounts is a fair reflection of the characters at a mod night he was a part of. And the portraits are decent, even good, from what I can see, and I personally like the concept of it. It's not offensive, not contrived, just a snap shot of the world around him, as he sees it.

But for him to call for dancers from a youth movement that I presume he does not have contact with and arguably does not even exist in this country is always going to get critisised, and arguably so.

The crux of this thread, I feel, is that artists are traditionally in a position of authority, but if they are acting as an authority on a matter they are not an expert in they are open to critisism. The problem that is being highlighted by those firing off cannons is that naive people, Miss Soulgirl included, consider that anything an artists produces, by definition, is art and as such will be viewed by most unconnected to the 'scene' as authoritative. This is a problem if it should not be considered so and is in fact contrived, which it may not be, but probably is and it's fair to guess...

I think you're talking a load of nonsense, which this photo shoot may or may not be.

To be fair, the photographer is carrying on his work from his "New Faces" exhibition which by all accounts is a fair reflection of the characters at a mod night he was a part of. And the portraits are decent, even good, from what I can see, and I personally like the concept of it. It's not offensive, not contrived, just a snap shot of the world around him, as he sees it.

But for him to call for dancers from a youth movement that I presume he does not have contact with and arguably does not even exist in this country is always going to get critisised, and arguably so.

The crux of this thread, I feel, is that artists are traditionally in a position of authority, but if they are acting as an authority on a matter they are not an expert in they are open to critisism. The problem that is being highlighted by those firing off cannons is that naive people, Miss Soulgirl included, consider that anything an artists produces, by definition, is art and as such will be viewed by most unconnected to the 'scene' as authoritative. This is a problem if it should not be considered so and is in fact contrived, which it may not be, but probably is and it's fair to guess...

Happy New Year James

Your youngish and I'm sure I've seen you dance at least once, get yourself down.

Happy New Year James

Your youngish and I'm sure I've seen you dance at least once, get yourself down.

And happy new year to you Dave! Best wishes to ya

I've not been out in a year so I am arguably not part of the 'scene' at the moment, I'm a bit of a miserable sod, I'm also a bit ugly, don't wear braces and Fred Perry shirts, have a generic slightly rough around the edges side parting hair cut and don't have skin head style tattoos up my arms so I think it's fair to presume, although I might be wrong, that I won't fit into the photographers preconceived idea of what the non existent UK northern soul scene youth movement is, even if I could do a hand stand and russian roll to the beat of a the camera shutter.