Newbies And The Current Scene

[Guest Rebelsoul]

Having just read the "teaching people to dance" thread I thought I'd throw in my tuppence.

I'm "new" to the scene in a way but have been introduced to it by a wise man and his wife about eight years ago. I was always taught that you had to earn your way onto the floor and the night we went to I did my best but as I hadn't done it before needless to say I was hopeless.

I've always loved the music and although not part of the scene I have wondered with the "sudden popularity" of NS (anyone seen the idea advert?) how damaging this will be tho the Scene Proper.

I can't dance and have two left feet but if dedicated soul fans are leaving div nights in droves I do worry how I'm going to learn.

To quote a famous phrase "How do you get to Wigan Casino? Practice!"

Those of you who know what you are talking about your advice would be very much appreciated

Thanks RS

[Gogger]

not sure what a div night is , going to assume its the so called oldies night , if you look on events there's something for everyone , would suggest it is best left at that   

[Jona]

Hi Rebelsoul, try to ignore advice, as there aren't any Soul Police as far as I know, you enjoy the music, then dance to what you like, as long as you don't bump into anyone, or step on toes, you will be fine at any venue

Cheers and big up for the newbies, everybody started as a newbie, don't forget

[Guest son of stan]

I am not an expert on today's scene as i don't go anywhere these days. But i don't recognise this business of 'earning your way onto the dancefloor'from when i was going. Surely all that died out in the 70s (if it ever existed in the first place - I'm slightly too young)?

Just enjoy yourself!

[Guest Dave Ward]

Of course you're hopeless and so was everyone else, when they started, and remember, everyone in that club was a divvie once ! I just enjoyed dancing.  My three famous phrases came from really good dancers : " Just play on the dance floor ", "If you don't fail, or fall, You aren't trying hard enough" and finally "leather soles are crap" !

Edited April 4, 2015 by Dave Ward

[Guest Matt Male]

I don't know who told you have to 'earn your way onto the floor'. That's rubbish. Just get on and have a go and do what you want. I know plenty of people who have come on recently, and they started dancing and got better and better the more they did and the more venues they attended.

 

It's never been about learning steps, it's always been about feeling and enjoying moving to the music in whatever way you want. Which is something all these jokers running dance classes fail to understand.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Matt Male

[Gogger]

sorry mate thought you was on about events , doh , just get on the floor and enjoy yourself ,

[Chalky]

Load of bollox about having to earn your way on the floor.  Just get on there and do your thing.  Watch what others do and then try and do the same, practice makes perfect. There is a basic set of moves but nothing in stone.

[Hooker1951]

You put your left foot in your right foot out then you do the Soulie, Soulie and shake it All About.

you've gotta laugh or you'd end up insane.

Keep on Dancing ML

[Ted Massey]

If I had earn my way on to the dance floor or even learn I would have needed to be a millionaire

[Steve G]

There was never "earn your way onto the dance floor" anyway. First time at Wigan just went onto the floor whenever I wanted and near the front too…..all these urban myths 

[Markw]

There is no such thing as "the Scene Proper". There are many, many fragments to the Northern/Rare Soul scene these days and no bit is "Proper", at least not these days. It has all been going far too long and every era had its 'favoured' style of dancing. All the crossover with connected scenes over the years, like funk etc, always brings variations in styles which always kept dancefloors interesting. Besides, the ones who will tell you these days how it should be done have almost always left their best dancing years behind them a long time ago.

 

There is a lovely young girl from round my part of the world who has done the 100 Club and various other top line venues in the last couple of years, yet when she turned up to a local, handbaggers oldies night, she had a load of old gits my age or more telling her she would have been laughed off the floor at the Casino. Well stuff them because I know they haven't been to any venues of any consequence since Wigan burned down, if not longer, so they know jackshit about anything anyway.

 

Do your own thing, keep out of the way of other dancers (even if they are not extending the same courtesy to you), be respectful and polite, apologise if you bump into anyone and don't worry about any dance police. If someone comes up and tells you they would have laughed you off the floor at Wigan, remind them that it closed 34 years ago and is now a shopping centre, but the music keeps going and so will you.

[Winsford Soul]

Take no notice of what anyone tells you.. Do your own thing because everyone else is. But the most important thing is that you Enjoy yourself.

Steve

[Mal C]

I am not an expert on today's scene as i don't go anywhere these days. But i don't recognise this business of 'earning your way onto the dancefloor'from when i was going. Surely all that died out in the 70s (if it ever existed in the first place - I'm slightly too young)?

Just enjoy yourself!

I agree, all thats a load of rubbish, you either prop up the bar or you dance, or these days you go out side to have a fag...  remember I found it allot easier to go into a packed dance floor, that way nobody is really watching you and you can make a fool of yourself in total freedom...strange though that may seem...

 

One thing you dont get these days is the 'Buffet', adds a whole other dimension to a Soul do I can tell you...Soul and Vol-au-Vents go hand in hand...

 

Malcolm

Edited April 4, 2015 by Mal C

[Guest Byrney]

There is no such thing as "the Scene Proper". There are many, many fragments to the Northern/Rare Soul scene these days and no bit is "Proper", at least not these days. It has all been going far too long and every era had its 'favoured' style of dancing. All the crossover with connected scenes over the years, like funk etc, always brings variations in styles which always kept dancefloors interesting. Besides, the ones who will tell you these days how it should be done have almost always left their best dancing years behind them a long time ago.

 

There is a lovely young girl from round my part of the world who has done the 100 Club and various other top line venues in the last couple of years, yet when she turned up to a local, handbaggers oldies night, she had a load of old gits my age or more telling her she would have been laughed off the floor at the Casino. Well stuff them because I know they haven't been to any venues of any consequence since Wigan burned down, if not longer, so they know jackshit about anything anyway.

 

Do your own thing, keep out of the way of other dancers (even if they are not extending the same courtesy to you), be respectful and polite, apologise if you bump into anyone and don't worry about any dance police. If someone comes up and tells you they would have laughed you off the floor at Wigan, remind them that it closed 34 years ago and is now a shopping centre, but the music keeps going and so will you.

I have to ask - what would possess a grown man to up go a young girl and try and prove their credentials ( which with these types are always limited) by saying she would be laughed off the floor at the Casino.

Someone earlier I think said they don't know what defines a Div - I'd suggest the duffers that did this personify it. Seriously - love the music, get into it and gurn on the floor . Pogo if you like as long as your bang in to it. " earn your way onto the floor". Please if someone says this to you please rip the pi$$ out of them

Edited April 4, 2015 by Byrney

[Orotava]

Just feel the music and give it your best.  Good luck and enjoy yourself.

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Dance, watch, learn, enjoy.....if you get stuck pretend to play the guitar like I do with simple back beats high on the neck on the 2 and 4. People will then think your stupid or a seasoned Funk Brother a  la Eddie Willis. A great track for a newbie to practice to is 'Loving you always came easy' by The Delgonives. It's not released yet, but on Soundcloud lol!

Edited April 5, 2015 by Carl Dixon

[Steve S 60]

Alternatively wait until the makers of the sequel to the Northern Soul film, set in the present day, start to advertise for 50 something year olds to attend dance clubs in order to play extras in the nostalgia night scenes.

[Mark S]

If anyone tells you that you're doing it wrong twat them . There's never been a hierarchy on the floor and I hope there never will be .

[hullsoul]

Can anyone help please..............

Did anyone pick my legs up a couple of years back I seem to have mislaid mine?Got up to dance last night & lasted 3/4 of a record as these things I've got at the moment that stop my arse dragging on the floor(no comments please ) aren't mine because they don't do as they are told??

Cheers

Martyn

Edited April 5, 2015 by hullsoul

[Pat]

If I had earn my way on to the dance floor or even learn I would have needed to be a millionaire

Hi Ted

      I thought you were!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Alan C.

[Louise]

If I had earn my way on to the dance floor or even learn I would have needed to be a millionaire

Ted Massey the chin strokers Lionel Blair who likes to practice yoga in public !!!

Edited April 5, 2015 by Louise

[Ted Massey]

Hi Ted

      I thought you were!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Alan C.

I wish Alan lol

[Winnie :-)]

Whoever told you 'you have to earn your way to the dance floor' has no idea, and I'd suggest you never go back to this person for advice again. Listen and feel the music, you don't even have to know the track, your feet will pick it up. Go to dance lessons and it will just be dancing by numbers, and you'll end up feeling bored and disillusioned. You may not feel confident at the moment, but stick with what you're doing, you'll see it morph over a few months, and when the next person asks a similar question, you'll be saying the same as the rest of us. 

[macca]

It's not absolutely compulsory to even venture onto the dance floor. Plenty of people out there who've attended allniters for years without so much as stepping onto the boards. The scene is much more than just a a heavin' floor. I'd say I spent most of my formative years in record rooms/lounges, alcoves, balconies, stage wings, loos and corridors. If you're moved to dance, just do your own thing while respecting people's space around you. Agree with SteveG about supposed pecking order at Wigan. Front, back, left, right, half way up/down, certainly never felt inhibited when answering " the call"...

[Guest Byrney]

I seriously think there is a cohort out there who did a couple of years tops at (pick your peak time venue) and have absolutely no idea of what the scene is, nor ever has been about and have this viral set of ideas from and shared with others of a similar ilk that has created these nonsensical rules and false perception.

How to get to Wigan? = coach, nicked car, train or for many travel 10 miles down the road to their local. Importantly PAY YOUR ENTRANCE FEE. Practice didn't come into it.

Pecking order on the dance floor, really? (life isn't like soul boy).

To be honest - have any seasoned campaigners who have done decades on the scene ever laid these daft rules down? No - just the toe dippers who feel a need to let us know how 'soulie' they are. Empty vessels who've never kicked a ball.

[Swifty]

I had a do at Butlins (Skeggy) a few years ago , my crime was dancing with Denise  to Jackie Beavers , trying to get back to you and fook me we apparently went into this blokes space , he then pushed Denise out the way and basically said that it was his area , get fooked Horse face I know who you are now and I hope you remember too .

[Lionelonthevinyl]

To me there is no agenda.....we are all there for the music!..nobody I know judges you on how you dance or even mentions it, I'm bloody hopeless as are the majority....enjoy yourself!.........Rob

[Tony Smith]

Honestly I thought you only got this stuff on Facebook! 

[Pete S]

There was never "earn your way onto the dance floor" anyway. First time at Wigan just went onto the floor whenever I wanted and near the front too…..all these urban myths 

 

Yeah but there was only 9 people still going by then.....

[Guest Rebelsoul]

Have really enjoyed everyone's take on it - am pleased there's no hierarchy.

Sage advice from you all although I am really sad there's no buffet Malcolm!!

☺️??

[Len]

My first dance at a completely Northern event was Loughborough Town Hall back in 1985, one of the guys dancing I later learned was Mad Mick from Burton (RIP) I sat watching for ages completely mesmerised, and my older mates ended up giving me absolutely no choice! I felt such a plonker (expecting them all to point and laugh) but all I noticed was one of them give me a nice smile, and I soon felt ‘ok’

 

Nowadays I sometimes think to myself……”Jeeeze Len, your 44 years old, what the heck are you doing dancing around at your age?!” he he

 

Ignore any advice and do your thing! Welcome to this ‘unique’ Scene mate

 

All the best,

 

Len

 

P.s - I thought your post was one to wind everyone up, but it has shown we’re actually not a bad bunch really (in the main)

Edited April 5, 2015 by LEN

[Guest Rebelsoul]

Lol it wasn't my intention to do that - I can see that I've listened to questionable advice. It's nice to hear your story of how you became interested in the scene. I'd first heard of soul at about just out of primary (83/84) and the first record I ever bought was Sister Sledge's Frankie on 45 - took me ages after but loved that Motown sound. Have always had an interest in the scene but have never had an opportunity to fully investigate

[Len]

When I say do your own thing, I really mean it, and (although relevant) I wasn’t really / only referring to dancing. I mean it in more ways than one, the main thing being your own personal SOUL musical taste - Focus on the tunes that grab you (Remember, everyone else’s taste is awful)  

 

As Bryney, and others have pointed out, the advice thing is utter b*llox - It, and any delusional superiority (that some may have) usually comes from some of those that had a ‘fleeting romance’ with Northern Soul in the 70’s. These types have absolutely no respect for what went on in the 30 years since - Lots went on mate, enjoy finding out what (as I still am), and don’t ever let your confidence be knocked by some of the old gits with no taste or history (Believe me, they do try from time to time)

 

Len  

 

P.s - Before anyone says I’m full of advice, I ain’t - I have my opinions……….

 

P.p.s - The people that said this to you (Ref dancing) may well have had best intensions, and to be fair to them, I have been told that all the best dancers danced at the front at Wigan - I actually think that there may well have been a natural gravitation of regulars at the front, and were probably pretty ‘good’, as (being regulars) they had more practise (Somat like that anyway)

Edited April 5, 2015 by LEN

[Frankie Crocker]

Lol it wasn't my intention to do that - I can see that I've listened to questionable advice. It's nice to hear your story of how you became interested in the scene. I'd first heard of soul at about just out of primary (83/84) and the first record I ever bought was Sister Sledge's Frankie on 45 - took me ages after but loved that Motown sound. Have always had an interest in the scene but have never had an opportunity to fully investigate

Well, now's a really good time to investigate further. The scene has never been richer in terms of quality sounds and styles of music. Most punters dress how they want and dance how they feel. Still best to watch from the sidelines until you're ready to hit the floor for a serious work-out as there are a few minor conventions such as no pints on the dance floor, no stubbing out fags, no spitting out gum, watch out for the talc, no chatting up the girls, tuck your elbows in, no bombing, no running and no petting in the shallow end etc. Get yourself to the 100 Club for a real taste of what's in store.

Edited April 6, 2015 by FRANKIE CROCKER

[Guest Jay Jones]

tonight is the first time i've heard "how do you get to wigan casino? practice!" 

 

if i was asked that question my answer would be "the same way you get or got to all the other nights, past and present from the 60's 70's 80's 90's 00's right up to today."

other than that i wouldn't be much help as i'd struggle with exact directions. i know how to get to wigan but i have no idea where the casino was because i never went. i was too young, it closed when i was 13 and it was 1984 before i went to my first soul night. which is a crying shame for me and everyone else my age and younger because, just as you were told you have to earn your way onto the dancefloor, i was once told if you never went to wigan casino you don't know anything about northern soul or the 'scene'.

 

anyway, the good news is that people who never went to wigan casino are not clueless lepers and neither are people who haven't been into soul for decades, you don't have to earn your way onto the dancefloor, you don't have to earn anything, there is no time served apprenticeship, no rights of passage, no tests or exams, liking the music and being yourself is all there is to it.

 

for me he most important thing is ignoring all the bullshit and politics, especially where the music is concerned, the worn out pointless arguements about oldies v's newies are all bollocks, there may be many different styles and genres from different decades but it's all soul, personal taste and choice dictates wether people prefer the oldies nights or the more progressive nights, keep an open mind and enjoy it for what it is, there are no rights or wrongs, and there are certainly no rules, and, in my opinion, those who say otherwise are the real divs

 

the irony of it all is that life didn't end when wigan closed, but those that thought it did, just like the ignorant self styled member of the northern soul inquisition that told me i knew nothing, have missed so much in the past 34 years that they don't know anything about the scene today and need to 'earn the right'  (i don't tar everyone with that brush mind, not everyone coming back is a dinosaur)

 

[Guest manusf3a]

My first dance at a completely Northern event was Loughborough Town Hall back in 1985, one of the guys dancing I later learned was Mad Mick from Burton (RIP) I sat watching for ages completely mesmerised, and my older mates ended up giving me absolutely no choice! I felt such a plonker (expecting them all to point and laugh) but all I noticed was one of them give me a nice smile, and I soon felt ‘ok’

 

Nowadays I sometimes think to myself……”Jeeeze Len, your 44 years old, what the heck are you doing dancing around at your age?!” he he

 

Ignore any advice and do your thing! Welcome to this ‘unique’ Scene mate

 

All the best,

 

Len

 

P.s - I thought your post was one to wind everyone up, but it has shown we’re actually not a bad bunch really (in the main)

Quite right about doing your own thing  whatever your moved to do by the music.,  the funky chicken as well as any other style will always have a home on any soulfull dance floor.I think it is a bit like jumping into  a pool of water for the first time at a nighter ,soul night once in you just do it ,it being at home in the water and the fear if any will flow away ,at least Peter Griffin told me.!.

Edited April 6, 2015 by manusf3a

[Guest manusf3a]

When I say do your own thing, I really mean it, and (although relevant) I wasn’t really / only referring to dancing. I mean it in more ways than one, the main thing being your own personal SOUL musical taste - Focus on the tunes that grab you (Remember, everyone else’s taste is awful)  

 

As Bryney, and others have pointed out, the advice thing is utter b*llox - It, and any delusional superiority (that some may have) usually comes from some of those that had a ‘fleeting romance’ with Northern Soul in the 70’s. These types have absolutely no respect for what went on in the 30 years since - Lots went on mate, enjoy finding out what (as I still am), and don’t ever let your confidence be knocked by some of the old gits with no taste or history (Believe me, they do try from time to time)

 

Len  

 

P.s - Before anyone says I’m full of advice, I ain’t - I have my opinions……….

 

P.p.s - The people that said this to you (Ref dancing) may well have had best intensions, and to be fair to them, I have been told that all the best dancers danced at the front at Wigan - I actually think that there may well have been a natural gravitation of regulars at the front, and were probably pretty ‘good’, as (being regulars) they had more practise (Somat like that anyway)

I think you are on to something about regulars at any event anywhere all being influenced by gravity in a different way from non regulars in that they tend to be pulled towards the stage,this regardless of age or any other factors!

Edited April 6, 2015 by manusf3a

[Keeper]

Here's one for anyone unsure about plucking up the courage to dance .....It's seven years ago this year a great friend of mine passed away. He was passionate about his music either collecting it,playing it or dancing to it .

served his time at the casino ....very keen scooterist .......then was struck down with a debilitating illness that left him permanantly wheelchair bound.............I can only imagine the courage it took to get back on a dancefloor after that ....but he did ...every weekend soul nights and all-nighters. He was a big inspiration to me ....So don't worry....just dance x

[Guest Matt Male]

I think you are on to something about regulars at any event anywhere all being influenced by gravity in a different way from non regulars in that they tend to be pulled towards the stage,this regardless of age or any other factors!

 

Oh I dunno, I never find myself moving towards the stage. I usually like the back of the room on the edge with the stage on the opposite end to me so I can see all the dancers as well.

[Steve L]

Oh I dunno, I never find myself moving towards the stage. I usually like the back of the room on the edge with the stage on the opposite end to me so I can see all the dancers as well.

 

Those who dance near the stage must have cast iron eardrums, i'd rather be as far away as possible from the speakers 

[Len]

I think you are on to something about regulars at any event anywhere all being influenced by gravity in a different way from non regulars in that they tend to be pulled towards the stage,this regardless of age or any other factors!

 

Yes absolutely regardless of age mate - When I say 'Old Gits', I mean the ones that seem to ignore the years that went on after they had left the Scene - As someone pointed out in an earlier post, there are lots that have come back with the exact same attitude as when they left (like yourself Manus), and are a pleasure to go 'disco dancing' with.

 

I know loads of 'Old Gits' (no offence intended btw) that I have the greatest respect for, and those that are literally seeped in knowledge, and history (never having a break) are the nicest people you could meet - I could mention many names, but don't need to, they know who they are, and have nothing to prove to anyone (They don't go around putting younguns / new comers 'in their place')  

 

Len  

Edited April 6, 2015 by LEN

[Guest Dave Ward]

I think there was a hierarchy and the front of the stage at Wigan was the best place to dance, It was loud in front of the speakers, there was a bit more room there on crowded nights, it was better lit, so you needed confidence to 'perform' there. For some people, there was also an element of influencing the DJ.  I don't remember bullying anyone, but there was an element of know-how, amongst the people who danced there, because they were good, they found space and knew when the people around them were 'about to go off on one', either acrobatics, spins or fast shuffle. If you had the confidence, you could hold your space, if not, you actually got forced back. The other clubs I went to during that decade certainly didn't have 'a front hierarchy'.

[Guest manusf3a]

I seriously think there is a cohort out there who did a couple of years tops at (pick your peak time venue) and have absolutely no idea of what the scene is, nor ever has been about and have this viral set of ideas from and shared with others of a similar ilk that has created these nonsensical rules and false perception.

How to get to Wigan? = coach, nicked car, train or for many travel 10 miles down the road to their local. Importantly PAY YOUR ENTRANCE FEE. Practice didn't come into it.

Pecking order on the dance floor, really? (life isn't like soul boy).

To be honest - have any seasoned campaigners who have done decades on the scene ever laid these daft rules down? No - just the toe dippers who feel a need to let us know how 'soulie' they are. Empty vessels who've never kicked a ball.

"Life isn't like soul boy",excellent quote mate,also like Len has said before focus on the tunes that grab you and develop your own unique taste in soul music that you will find  gels  with some but not others and keep on developing it, what would the tree be like if all there was to it were the roots!where would the newest branch and growth of leaves and fruit be without having those roots to spring from.Oops ,done it again Len my recent obsessions with chickens and eggs is spilling over into everything ,pecking order on the dance floor! included.

[Guest manusf3a]

Whoever told you 'you have to earn your way to the dance floor' has no idea, and I'd suggest you never go back to this person for advice again. Listen and feel the music, you don't even have to know the track, your feet will pick it up. Go to dance lessons and it will just be dancing by numbers, and you'll end up feeling bored and disillusioned. You may not feel confident at the moment, but stick with what you're doing, you'll see it morph over a few months, and when the next person asks a similar question, you'll be saying the same as the rest of us. 

Like you say you dont have to know the track to dance to it I think its great when you dance to a choon you hear for the first time and think to to your self phooking hell thats a cracker,they are the ones you want to know about ,who,what,were the complete shooting match,such choons are the ones that keep playing in snippets on the deck inside your head on the way home and pop up now and again for days after(Part of the joy associated with hearing a .to you personaly ,new choon.)An aspect of part of what makes the scene so great!As you say your feet will pick it up and your mind will love it .

Edited April 6, 2015 by manusf3a

[Guest manusf3a]

For any interested"Newbies", or anyone else wanting to brush up a bit on their dancefloor etiqette as it has got a bit rusty,ie find yourself weavng across the dancefloor with a full pint in your hand a bit more often than you would like,well the good news you dont have to go dance classes  just go to You Tube and enter  "Sid the sexist  Oot on the tap part 3",then you can  sit and watch "What not to do", as shown by Sids behavior.Theres even  a rather catchy little funky edged choon playing throughout the scene in the club.

 

Ps ....Sids footwork is worth taking note of especially when he combines in with holding a full pint in each hand.

[manus]

I think the best place to start to learn to dance is by sitting in your bedroom or wherever just "listening" to Soul music . Get into the music first and then just do what you want on the dancefloor , personally  much prefer to see folk just doing their own thing rather than robotic uniform steps.

 

Manus ( tuther one)

[hullsoulie]

RebelSoul,

To echo what many other posters have said - there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to dance, and nobody has to earn the right to be on that dancefloor.

When i started hitching around the country to nighters in the early 80's, the 'terrace' mode of dress made us stand out from the older patrons at the time, took me a while to learn that a pair of good brogues moved a fella my size across the floor better than Adidas strap trainers or Kio Riders!

One thing I have always found heart-warming is that people doing their own thing were not derided, there was a chap at Clifton Hall who's style was more akin to pogo-ing, and at Wilton ballroom a decade later there was a West Yorks chap who had a similar........ahem...unique style, but as a regukar visitor to venues thru the wee hours, it was obvious he had, like the rest of us, a love of the music.

 

I used to love nothing better than finding a dark corner or some space on the periphery of a dancefloor and 'losing myself' in the music, eyes closed and silently mouthing the words to tracks I love. Am sure there were some extrovert & gregarious really tidy dancers who loved to show the crowd what they were capable of, but for me it was a personal odyssey achieving a kind of Sufi-communion every weekend - and I cannot tell you how much it meant to me.

'Newbies' - we were ALL 'Newbies' at one time, I judge nobody, deride nobody and hopefully always exhibit courtesy on and off the dancefloor.

Since my private trysts in dimlit church-halls/ballrooms have been replaced by people recording footage of the dancefloor and they all seem to have 'picture galleries' where people Cheshire cat on cue to cameras pointed at them, I have stopped going, which breaks my heart more than I can tell you, but things are cyclical, and times may change - until then you are welcome to the (not inconsiderable) space vacated by my absence.

Enjoy, and just be you- if you stick at it and get even 100th of the joy the music has given me over the years, in later life you will consider yourself blessed.

Best regards from Hull

[Labeat]

Manus,you refer to tunes coming up in your head, i was fishing sunday morning and a mate i haven´t seen since the eighties pinged me over facebook and asked about a record he had heard at an all-dayer previously ,wrote down the words(some) and asked if i could help,i did

"my babies gone away and left me ..left me alone for somebody else" easy really but if you forget it a hard tune to get out of your head!

 

Steve

Great tune is Jackie Edwards 

[Guest Byrney]

RebelSoul,

To echo what many other posters have said - there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to dance, and nobody has to earn the right to be on that dancefloor.

When i started hitching around the country to nighters in the early 80's, the 'terrace' mode of dress made us stand out from the older patrons at the time, took me a while to learn that a pair of good brogues moved a fella my size across the floor better than Adidas strap trainers or Kio Riders!

One thing I have always found heart-warming is that people doing their own thing were not derided, there was a chap at Clifton Hall who's style was more akin to pogo-ing, and at Wilton ballroom a decade later there was a West Yorks chap who had a similar........ahem...unique style, but as a regukar visitor to venues thru the wee hours, it was obvious he had, like the rest of us, a love of the music.

 

I used to love nothing better than finding a dark corner or some space on the periphery of a dancefloor and 'losing myself' in the music, eyes closed and silently mouthing the words to tracks I love. Am sure there were some extrovert & gregarious really tidy dancers who loved to show the crowd what they were capable of, but for me it was a personal odyssey achieving a kind of Sufi-communion every weekend - and I cannot tell you how much it meant to me.

'Newbies' - we were ALL 'Newbies' at one time, I judge nobody, deride nobody and hopefully always exhibit courtesy on and off the dancefloor.

Since my private trysts in dimlit church-halls/ballrooms have been replaced by people recording footage of the dancefloor and they all seem to have 'picture galleries' where people Cheshire cat on cue to cameras pointed at them, I have stopped going, which breaks my heart more than I can tell you, but things are cyclical, and times may change - until then you are welcome to the (not inconsiderable) space vacated by my absence.

Enjoy, and just be you- if you stick at it and get even 100th of the joy the music has given me over the years, in later life you will consider yourself blessed.

Best regards from Hull

Great post "Sufi Communion " cracking term. I see a lad out now who pogos around and I love to see it, he's bang Into to it.

Just on the Terrace Dandies you were right, we did stand out however there were quite a few of us - look at the Oddfellows Video; flick heads galore

Edited April 10, 2015 by Byrney