Dance Styles - Does Northern Soul Offer Some The Best?

[Geeselad]

...At least they look smart in their jackets.....  

 

Sorry  

 

Len  

no, there better when they peel them off.

[Geeselad]

saw a few guys who could really shuffle in the 8ts, at Bradford, but dont think I've seen anyone do it that well in years and years, these guys looked like they were floating!and know it wasnt the talc I was using that night, lol. 

[Sooty]

...after just returning from the City of 'dance'...Rio.....then i am pleased to see 'we' have it in perspective when reading this thread to update meself as to how you all feel about Northern Dancing!!!x

I agree with the essence of the majority.....it don't matter what you do or how you 'do it'...I reckon!x Good job too....cos' i've never been able to do what would be considered 'traditional'!!! I've always done me own thing....different to each tune....wotever it makes me do......and happy with it!x

The dancing Lady on the first clip was 'in touch'....but...there are also many dancers whom do nowt of the kind....whom I could watch all night....just doin' their thing....which i think is marvellous!!x Here are some more 'individuals'...Northern Soul Dancing Part 2...(Dunno why the clips don't show in the posts anymore???...Mike??!x)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vYnFRZCsOQ&feature=youtu.be

 

LUV
SOOTY
X

 

...'ere Len....just played me new 45's...the flips and all....cheapies every one....and are now my copys......they don't make John's book....but are proper....and are going in me box.....you'll be proud of me Lenny!x Will share them all later in me Best Boot Sales thread...!x

 

...now.....where's me bike clips......off to London............... oooOOOOOOOHHHH........ BOOORIIIIIIIISSSSSSSS.........................the Boys From Brazil....are back......hehe!x

@@
~

 

Edited June 4, 2013 by SOOTY

[Wiggyflat]

Saw some amazing dancers in the early eighties.What ever happened to all those fast shufflers that used to dance to It Takes Time.You never see that now.I went on to the Jazz scene late eighties and nineties.Upstairs at The Wag some amazing dancing.Brothers In Jazz ...one of their members was an old northern soulie...I think there were a few that did jazz along with Northern inc myself Oscar Romp and Paul Sadot...I'm sure I saw him a few times at Dingwalls and a lover of Capoeira so the batucadas suited him.All the young revivalist dancers have chosen the mid seventies backdrop...throwing shapes style.Right got to get my pegs,kung fu slippers and sort my wedge out.

[Len]

Saw some amazing dancers in the early eighties.What ever happened to all those fast shufflers that used to dance to It Takes Time.You never see that now.I went on to the Jazz scene late eighties and nineties.Upstairs at The Wag some amazing dancing.Brothers In Jazz ...one of their members was an old northern soulie...I think there were a few that did jazz along with Northern inc myself Oscar Romp and Paul Sadot...I'm sure I saw him a few times at Dingwalls and a lover of Capoeira so the batucadas suited him.All the young revivalist dancers have chosen the mid seventies backdrop...throwing shapes style.Right got to get my pegs,kung fu slippers and sort my wedge out.

 

What happened to those dancers? - They got fat I expect (Middle age an' all that)  

 

.....Yes, I think it's time for The Wedge to make a return!  

 

All the best,

 

Len 'Fred Astaire' Dopson    

[Guest Byrney]

What happened to those dancers? - They got fat I expect (Middle age an' all that)  

 

.....Yes, I think it's time for The Wedge to make a return!  

 

All the best,

 

Len 'Fred Astaire' Dopson    

With you on the wedge Len

[Rich B]

With you on the wedge Len

 

Nowt wrong with a wedge - I've got one in my wedding photo's!

[Zed1]

Nowt wrong with a wedge - I've got one in my wedding photo's!

 

I had a fantastic Wedge when I got married.......  but it didn't take long before my Wife spent it!...

[Rich B]

I had a fantastic Wedge when I got married.......  but it didn't take long before my Wife spent it!...

 

Yes, I've had a bit of that too!

[Wiggyflat]

Oscar Romp is in this film....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlUYYdmBRU8

[Wiggyflat]

Heres some early eighties northern dancing....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=ruIn8y6FOMw&NR=1

[Wiggyflat]

And the Brothers in Jazz,Trevor was from a northern soul scene background.Irven was from a jazz funk background.They went on to the Urdang academy in London and were regulars at the Wag in the eighties.This is pure jazz though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGDWczYvUq8

 

 

Heres Trevor explaining it...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttW-m68Jiq0

Edited June 4, 2013 by wiggyflat

[Len]

Nowt wrong with a wedge - I've got one in my wedding photo's!

 

 

So have I! (First marriage) .........and kept it far to long than I should have (Time, not length)

 

Len  

[Winnie :-)]

Overall I think the ladies are the better dancers, still some good men dancers about, but we should bear in mind most of us are in our fifties and perhaps not as limber as we once were There are some shocking dancers but I think that's mainly because they haven't been bought up with it, so have borrowed a video or a pamphlet to learn the steps. Anyone can learn steps, not everyone can feel soul IMO 

[Len]

Upstairs at The Wag some amazing dancing.Brothers In Jazz ...one of their members was an old northern soulie...I think there were a few that did jazz along with Northern inc myself Oscar Romp and Paul Sadot...

 

I would of loved to have gone to The Wag, I've seen documentaries about it, and know a few that did go - It sounds like a very cool club.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited June 5, 2013 by LEN

[Back Street Blue]

When's back in the day? 60s 70s 80s 90s 2000....?

My comment relates to some of those who may have gone for a few years in the 70s if that counts as back in the day. When I started late 78 loads did this walking dance, hand jivey thing (including me for a year or so) we see many doing now at nostalgia nights. Can't remember seeing it from the 80s onwards until recently when many returned after a few decades and for me they stand out but not for the right reasons. Sorry if you see it as slagging people off but it's my opinion of a dance style thats recently returned that I don't like.

As far as giving it a go, I do on a regular basis. But my heads not going to fall off if someone thinks I look crap, which has happened on the odd occasion, especially from one lady from Nottingham who takes great delight in letting me know - who will remain nameless

But on a positive note, at Inner City Soul Saturday there was one lady who turned on a Mecca type shuffle to Ike Strong. One of the best dancers I've seen in years, faultless.

 

Sorry only just replying....not had much time to come on here over last few days.

 

My post wasn't aimed at what you had said personally, just a response to the earlier posts generally.

 

"Those who went to the clubs BITD" was intended to mean people who went to "proper soul clubs"  (i.e. NS niters and dayers that had the DJ''s with the sounds) in the 60's, 70's and 80's.

 

They are the dancers that stand out compared with those on the scene now who obviously didn't go to those places, like what you said really.

 

I've never stopped "going out" since I started dancing to and listening to soul music in 73/4 and the dancers that most influenced me were obviously those that I saw in my formative years in the 70's. Gethro and Cesar are the best I have ever seen, although completely different styles.

 

I loved watching some of the old timers who made a come back to the wheel when it reopened in Whitworth Street with their tight footwork, developed for dancing in a tiny space on a rammed little floor.

 

I loved seeing the old hands from the Torch trotting their stuff in the early days of the Casino.

 

Never made it to Nottingham Palais or the Cattacombes but have met and seen some awesome dancers from there.

 

I especially loved the funky shuffling dancers from the Mecca and Cleethorpes. 

 

But for diversity, creativity, speed and tricks, Wigan produced the best.....and I can tell who went and who didn't when I watch them dance.......and I last went there in 1981 so I'm not excluding those who only caught the eleventh hour at that club.

 

It is a shame that the kids who are on the scene now weren't exposed to some of the other styles.

[Julie Moore]

I have a plaque on my wall it says"Dance like no-one is watching"............thats what i do   I dance to the music not the onlookers ..............Every-one to their own I say  I may look like a "Dickhead" but boy have i got soul

 

regards

 

Julie

[spin]

Jethro..........use to go on his coach........top 5 imho 

[Guest lambrettanik]

When's back in the day? 60s 70s 80s 90s 2000....?

My comment relates to some of those who may have gone for a few years in the 70s if that counts as back in the day. When I started late 78 loads did this walking dance, hand jivey thing (including me for a year or so) we see many doing now at nostalgia nights. Can't remember seeing it from the 80s onwards until recently when many returned after a few decades and for me they stand out but not for the right reasons. Sorry if you see it as slagging people off but it's my opinion of a dance style thats recently returned that I don't like.

As far as giving it a go, I do on a regular basis. But my heads not going to fall off if someone thinks I look crap, which has happened on the odd occasion, especially from one lady from Nottingham who takes great delight in letting me know - who will remain nameless

But on a positive note, at Inner City Soul Saturday there was one lady who turned on a Mecca type shuffle to Ike Strong. One of the best dancers I've seen in years, faultless.

lil deb from wigan is in my opinion(and a few others)one of the best mecca shuffler/70s stomper/scissors( or what ever u wanna call it)

[Len]

lil deb from wigan is in my opinion(and a few others)one of the best mecca shuffler/70s stomper/scissors( or what ever u wanna call it)

 

I like it being described as 'Cat Scratching' - Yes, it looks fantastic, as if they are floating, and as said before - effortless.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[Guest Byrney]

I like it being described as 'Cat Scratching' - Yes, it looks fantastic, as if they are floating, and as said before - effortless.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Depends what you mean by shuffling mate, If you think of that dance many would do to Ton Of Dynamite or The Champion we in Nottigham called that stomping, in my view shuffling is a more 'disco' type of shuffle from side to side and in a circular motion. Best way to describe it is a development of Major Lance's dancing on The Monkey Time YouTube clip, taking that shuffle from side to side and rotating. Always seen it as a Mecca dance, not that many do it but this lady at Inner City Soul had it to a tee.

[Len]

_{Depends what you mean by shuffling mate, If you think of that dance many would do to Ton Of Dynamite or The Champion we in Nottigham called that stomping, in my view shuffling is a more 'disco' type of shuffle from side to side and in a circular motion. Best way to describe it is a development of Major Lance's dancing on The Monkey Time YouTube clip, taking that shuffle from side to side and rotating. Always seen it as a Mecca dance, not that many do it but this lady at Inner City Soul had it to a tee.}

 

_{Hi mate,}

 

_{We may have different views on what shuffling is, the best example I saw was years ago at The Fleet in Peterborough (a couple girls doing it) My 'version' (or view on it) has no 'side to side', just 'on the spot' sometimes slowly raising one leg, while the other 'goes like the clappers' (Cat Scratching)......I just had a quick search on Youtube for a good example........but couldn't stomach any more clips!}      

 

_{All the best,}

 

_Len  

Edited June 7, 2013 by LEN

[Emily73]

Slightly off topic but I always think American Shag dancing has some nifty Northern type Footwork. Also picked this clip as Charlie has the best surname ever..

I'm a crap dancer but after a few beers the spins appear, then add a couple of shots a mad attempt at stomping that makes me look like I'm trying to put a fire out with my bare feet!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YofTQCsSqQ

Edited June 8, 2013 by Emily73

[Harry Crosby]

Wow - You have a sense of humour! ....You obviously noted I ‘over’ compensated ‘(just in case)...I have been ‘burnt’ before on here…all part of the fun

 

…….I could go on (so will)……..

 

…….I actually have what I call a ‘Shudder list’ of words / phrases ‘in my head’, that for various reason have been ruined (for me at least )….. I will share a small selection for your entertainment (there are loads! )

1. ‘45’s’ (They’re just called records)
2. ‘The Flip’ (‘Other side’ is now correct)
3. ‘Cheapie’ (I know what records are worth - To earnest)
4. ‘My Copy’ (referring to a record they ‘just bought twenty years ago’)
5. ‘Books at £? in Manships guide’ (Read it once now experts - there not bloody used cars, and it’s ‘John’ Manship)
6. ‘Proper’ (‘Proper’ people don’t use the word ‘Proper’)
7. ‘Box’ (Sorry but to many referrals to it e.g — “I’m a dusty old record collector”)

N.B - For those who don’t have a sense of humour — the above is ‘just a bit of fun’ (kind of….. )

 

…….I don’t sleep much.

 

All the best,

 

Len

 

P.s - Feel free to add to the ‘Shudder List’ folks…….or is it just 'me that ‘thinks like me'?......yes…..  

"STOMPING", Shuffling backwards and forwards like a ,load of line dancers, trying to put a fag out.!!!   [gets my goat people who say they can stomp nowadays, used to love watching the likes of Steve ceasar stomping]

[Harry Crosby]

STOMPING 5MINS 2OSECONDS IN TO THE VIDEO

https://youtu.be/9GQ-bqU_9y4

[Len]

....after a few beers the spins appear, then add a couple of shots a mad attempt at stomping that makes me look like I'm trying to put a fire out with my bare feet!

 

 

 Touché!

 

Len  

[Len]

used to love watching the likes of Steve ceasar stomping]

 

Pop along to 'The Den' - You ain't seen nothing yet!.......after a few beers - ahem (See above).....If you are in my head that is (Or wearing the same 'Dancing Goggles' that I do at times).....  

 

It makes me feel better if I just repeat to my self 'Ultra earnestly' "Yeh, but I 'feeeeel' the music, they 'obviously' do not!'...he he....

 

Len  

Edited June 8, 2013 by LEN

[Pete S]

I must have seen thousands of people dancing but the best I ever saw wasn't at Wigan or in fact anywhere in the 70's, it was at a very short lived allnighter at Herne Bay in 1989, all I can tell you is that the guy had dark hair and wore glasses, that's all I remember about him apart from the fact he was a superb dancer without resorting to acrobatics.  Only a few hundred people went to Herne Bay so someone who went might remember him.

[Len]

Oh, I almost forgot, Mike Gibbs - The best Shuffler I ever did see - and that's the truth!  We were at one of Elaine’s film thingy's (as 'Bubble Wrap' of course!) and even Keb commented on how good he was (don't tell him)

 

Oh, and Tony Smith '2' (from the 100 Club) on the rare occasion he stops talking about matrix Numbers  I think the last time I saw him dance was at Cleethorpes, yonks ago. We were talking about who could shuffle (god that sounds sad read back ) In my defence, it was Sunday night, and we were in 'La La' land...anyway he said..."I can, I'll show ya" .....and calmly went and did just that, fantastically!.....Then came back....."Where were we, yes - Detroit, as I was saying Len"....(Probably )

 

Hope ya well mate

 

All the best,

 

Len

Edited June 8, 2013 by LEN

[Len]

STOMPING 5MINS 2OSECONDS IN TO THE VIDEO

 

 

Yes, I'd say that was Stomping, and not Shuffling (my view anyway)

 

Actually around 8 minutes in on the clip referred to above, is a pretty good example of shuffling.

 

Len  

Edited June 8, 2013 by LEN

[Guest nubes]

The best dance style is the one that starts from your heart to ya feet...ya feel it ya go for it..thankfully northern soul dancing hasnt yet reached that diluted stage like Salsa and the Hustle despite folk claiming that they can teach it...once that happens then all the individuality goes out of the window..... becomes boring and bland...look at the early Lindy Hoppers....when it was more free style...it was exciting and innovative..but once it became standard...it lost its gloss...Na the influences towards northern soul dancing is vast....long may it keep going..... Delxxxxx

[Guest nsoulxx]

Now she is a very good dancer in that clip.

totally agree, brill moves

[richo991]

my opinion is if you like the tune get up and do your thing ,  And sod what people think just enjoy the track

 

     sore this and thought of you bazza!!!!

[Guest Garry Huxley]

IMHO I don't think so..  It's BBoys.  (Check out this clip and see what the kids of today are capable of  - Meno is just feckin' unbelievable - And yes, they teach it.) 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s0pmCYyUdU

 

Also the BBoy crews in Asia seem to be in a league of their own.  But we have skilled dancers in the UK also (one's called Sunni).

 

But Northern Soul dancing is not about the offering 'best style' and actual talent is it?  As Len says, its about 'feeling it'.

 

And that's why people move to the music... any damn way you feel like.

 

(I'm now off to GoGo, where i'll be mostly stepping from side to side and falling on my arse....)    

 

That's awsome dancin & some serious bangin funk

[Guest MissHongkongfuey]

I absolutely love this girls footwork. I think Her name is Rose but not 100%. A pleasure to watch her dance!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwZVC0rfeqk

 

[Bazza]

my opinion is if you like the tune get up and do your thing ,  And sod what people think just enjoy the track

 

     sore this and thought of you bazza!!!!

 Hi Stu,nope ,I don't dance like anyone else ,do me own thing   

 

Bazza 

Edited June 13, 2013 by Bazza

[Guest nubes]

I absolutely love this girls footwork. I think Her name is Rose but not 100%. A pleasure to watch her dance!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwZVC0rfeqk

Yes her name is Rose....her Sister Jan also does nighters etc ...Delxxxxx