Couples dancing together

[Gary KTF]

Just wanted to test the view point  lately at some local events for some to me anyway Bizzare reason some couples have danced to like ballroom style. Being from old school Norhern I don’t get it  me and the missus look on and thinkWTF. Are we just Oldies out of touch. Your thoughts please.  

[Twoshoes]

We don't get out to events so much these days but I don't see anything wrong with couples dancing together if it is in a style appropriate to the music which can be done to great effect. "ballroom style" does not sound like a good watch, did they dance conventionally the rest of the night? Then again I've looked  at people dancing on their own and thought as you say WTF. Each to their own, years ago at an event we regularly attended a woman used to move very slowly in her own body space no matter what the tempo of the tune, obviously fully immersed in the music, I loved watching her, others thought otherwise. 

  Having initially said I see nothing wrong with it I wouldn't like to see it become the norm, watching others dance has always added to the enjoyment of a night regardless of the artistry involved.

[Soundsokeh]

As above, I am out regularly and sometimes you do see couples dancing together, especially to a slow record near the end of the gig, but often they have danced separately in the northern soul ways of solitary dancing. I rarely see any couple that only dance as a couple, but in some ways, who really cares? 

My view is that generally they have paid like everyone else and are up on their feet enjoying the music and atmosphere, it adds to the mix, but I would not like it if everyone or the majority were doing it in a ballroom strictly come dancing manner, I prefer to watch Connor and Nadine or Steve Hinds etc ( and others.). who carry the spirit of northern soul dancing, similar to the Crying Over You video that wowed American students a few years ago 

So to me if they are supporting our venues and enjoying themselves, being respectful to the music and other dancers on the floor, just leave them to it and watch some of the other traditional dancers ( or ask the deejay to play the FOUR PROS or The Champion, lol.) but the main thing is 

 

KTF

 

[Mark B]

If it fits to the tune then what the problem. Years ago Wayne and Jackie blow used to jive to tunes like the original savannah band at the Mecca it’s just fitted in a they were good.

[Stephen Houghton]

Lots of small issues get on our nerves like women trying to dance in high heels or the like ,and the obligatory last dance erection section tune at the end of night .I once saw a couple dancing to northern in the style of line dancing to which a lot of people joined in .I think that if them places do that change your venue let's hope it doesn't spread 

[Leicester Boy]

The last thing my wife would want is me dancing with her at a soul do, it's your world out on the floor,  just my take on it.

[Solidsoul]

As a traditional Northern Soul fan I think it's a divvy thing to ballroom dance together in couples, at Northern Soul events! 

But then these people can't have much respect for Northern Soul to do it! 

I was at an alldayer and some couples, who were into Ballroom dancing, did there ballroom rehearsed routines all day long.  It did not matter which record was playing!

 It spoils the dance floor atmosphere, nearly as bad as having young kids clowning about on the dance floor!

 

Edited February 5 by Solidsoul

[Woodbutcher]

Used to love watching Les Parren and Carole Drinkwater from St Neots/Brampton cutting a rug at St Ives ... 

 

Methinks it's about time the "Soul Gestapo" got together and published the definitive set of "Northern Soul Do's and Don'ts" so that the rest of us know exactly what's acceptable ... 

Edited February 4 by Woodbutcher

[Guest]

It is traditional for couples to dance together in most social groups.

[Kevinkent]

51 minutes ago, Solidsoul said:

As a traditional Northern Soul fan I think it's a divvy thing to dance together in couples! 

But then these people can't be traditional Northern Soul fans to do it! 

 It spoils the dance floor atmosphere, nearly as bad as having young kids clowning about on the dance floor!

 

It's great to know that there are still traditional Northern Soul fans around to guide us. I usually go out solo, but if I should find myself at a venue with my wife and we briefly slip into dancing as a couple - please feel free to tap me on the shoulder and put me right. I promise you will only need to do it once.

[Rick Cooper]

The Belgian Popcorn scene had couples dancing to Soul and RnB records which looked OK but a bit limiting. I've seen a couple dancing this way a few years back and they were quite good. Not something I'd like to see too much of.

 

[Woodbutcher]

Perhaps the "Soul Staatssicherheit" should also get in touch with the 'Official Norvern Soul Dance Academy" to prevent any possibility of classes being offered in this perverted exhibitionism.

 

[Soulfinger]

Couples dancing together? It's the thin end of the iceberg. It'll lead to everyone sitting round in a circle in Carolina shag dance completion style. 

 

[Woodbutcher]

10 minutes ago, Soulfinger said:

Couples dancing together? It's the thin end of the iceberg. It'll lead to everyone sitting round in a circle in Carolina shag dance completion style. 

 

Looks just the same as the "World Championship" at Blackpool ... apart from the fact that the tune and dancing are way better ... 

[Solidsoul]

15 hours ago, Kevinkent said:

please feel free to tap me on the shoulder and put me right. I promise you will only need to do it once.

Ohh threatening talk!  This is a site for opinions and this topic asked for opinions on couples ballroom dancing together at Northern Soul events. 

That was my opinion and it was not personal to you or anyone in particular, so I don't think it should sink down to the level of threats!

Edited February 5 by Solidsoul

[Still Diggin]

It saves them from bringing a stick.

[Louise]

25 minutes ago, Still Diggin said:

It saves them from bringing a stick.

[Mark S]

As long as people respect the floor and don't dick about no problem 

[Steve G]

I think it is all rather nice. So done with the Wigan teapot dancing anyway. 

[Leicester Boy]

The fact we have found another subject to fall out over is very refreshing forums are for opinions . 

[Steviehay]

anywhere do lessons lol ??

[Sjclement]

Some of us chose the music 

[Leicester Boy]

16 minutes ago, Sjclement said:

Some of us chose the music 

Opinions of that record will unite everyone.

[Petesi]

It happens at most of the smaller events, BUT it is usually to a slow /mush song, so I don`t have an issue with that as I for one won`t be on the floor, so my opinion is leave em alone and let em enjoy it, after all most of us should be at the Derby and Joan club anyway LoL. NOW..... if they start doing it to Jimmy Raye`s.. Philly dog around the world.. that would be a whole different thing and we may have an issue 

Edited February 5 by Petesi
misspelling

[Carty]

22 hours ago, Mark B said:

If it fits to the tune then what the problem. Years ago Wayne and Jackie blow used to jive to tunes like the original savannah band at the Mecca it’s just fitted in a they were good.

Wayne and Jackie , Great people ! 

[Kathryn Magson]

I wouldn't really want to see a whole floor full of couples dancing together at a soul night - that's not what it's all about - but on some occasions it's nice to see. I know of at least one couple - regulars at soul events in my local area for many years - where one has been ill & no longer has the balance that they used to have. Does that mean they should stay off the dance floor? Like hell it does! It's really good to see them both enjoying a night out & a bit of a dance, even if it does mean that one needs a tad of support from the other. Much love & respect to them both. 

Edited February 5 by Kathryn Magson

[Frankie Crocker]

The Curse Of Strictly....they’ve watched the series so want to practise for the Summer Balls... Watch out for South Korean formation dancing coming to a venue near you. Perhaps the local Ceroc dance class had been cancelled, who knows? OK to dance in pairs on St Valentines eve after a few drinks I suppose, but really someone needs to tell the exhibitionists to head to the disco over the road.

[STEFAN BURLAK]

On 04/02/2024 at 13:46, Stephen Houghton said:

Lots of small issues get on our nerves like women trying to dance in high heels or the like ,and the obligatory last dance erection section tune at the end of night .I once saw a couple dancing to northern in the style of line dancing to which a lot of people joined in .I think that if them places do that change your venue let's hope it doesn't spread 

I remember when 'WOOLY BULLY' first came out in '65, SAM the SHAM,  people used to dance to it in a 'line type dance'.

Not seen many dance together but if it looks good, soulfull and to the beat, it's OK by me.

[Wayoutgirl]

On 04/02/2024 at 13:46, Stephen Houghton said:

Lots of small issues get on our nerves like women trying to dance in high heels or the like ,and the obligatory last dance erection section tune at the end of night .I once saw a couple dancing to northern in the style of line dancing to which a lot of people joined in .I think that if them places do that change your venue let's hope it doesn't spread 

Some of us can and will dance in heels when I wish to and sometimes in flats

 

On 04/02/2024 at 13:46, Stephen Houghton said:

Lots of small issues get on our nerves like women trying to dance in high heels or the like ,and the obligatory last dance erection section tune at the end of night .I once saw a couple dancing to northern in the style of line dancing to which a lot of people joined in .I think that if them places do that change your venue let's hope it doesn't spread 

Some of us women can actually dance regardless of the heel height we are wearing. Depends what mood I'm in. A couple at Brid actually thought the same as you and pre judged me on my heels  before I danced. Actually came down onto the floor and apologised even though I had no clue beforehand. Each to their own in my eyes.  

[Clee93]

I remember being at a local event which isn’t exactly the zenith or height of quality musically and one guy kept sitting on the floor demanding everyone does the oops upside your head dance… a couple weeks later I’m sat at home scrolling through Facebook and I see a video of the same club and there’s about 12 of them at it  

Edited February 6 by Clee93

[Gary KTF]

Unfortunately Northern soul  venues are attracting non soul people. Ok everyone welcome. Not many places to go for a dance   But when talking to local event Dj’s they’re saying they have had requests from people for all sorts of records pop music Abba and the like. They have to tell them it’s a soul event not a wedding Disco 

[Kenb]

9 hours ago, Wayoutgirl said:

Some of us can and will dance in heels when I wish to and sometimes in flats

 

Some of us women can actually dance regardless of the heel height we are wearing. Depends what mood I'm in. A couple at Brid actually thought the same as you and pre judged me on my heels  before I danced. Actually came down onto the floor and apologised even though I had no clue beforehand. Each to their own in my eyes.  

yes, i can vouch for your very good dancing

[Woodbutcher]

53 minutes ago, Gary KTF said:

Unfortunately Northern soul  venues are attracting non soul people. Ok everyone welcome. Not many places to go for a dance   But when talking to local event Dj’s they’re saying they have had requests from people for all sorts of records pop music Abba and the like. They have to tell them it’s a soul event not a wedding Disco 

The type of venues using dated cliched NS bullsh*t like KTF etc , etc ... !

 

[Ian Parker]

3 hours ago, Clee93 said:

I remember being at a local event which isn’t exactly the zenith or height of quality, musically and one guy kept sitting on the floor demanding everyone does the oops upside your head dance… a couple weeks later I’m sat at home scrolling through Facebook and I see a video of the same club and there’s about 12 of them at it  

NO  NO NO & NO !!    THE worst 'dance' ever, to grace a club/disco/wedding floor.    cringeworthy and infuriating !    on a side note,   around wigan area, a few years back, there used to be a couple, who would regularly be dancing together.   the 'shag'  i believe.    from the beach scene i think.    they were a joy to watch, the foot movements and choreography were quite wonderful.   always in time , too. 

[Soulman58]

This works for more and a decent tune.

 

[Woodbutcher]

57 minutes ago, Soulman58 said:

This works for more and a decent tune.

Nastily overlaid track , the original sequence knocks that into a cocked hat , might not be "Norvern Soul"  enough for the blinkered souls on here but it's classy and no mistake ... 

 

Edited February 6 by Woodbutcher

[Ian Parker]

Fabulous !!

[Timillustrator]

Brilliant film Hellzapoppin, not seen it for 40 years, my Dad remembered it from when it came out.

[Frankie Crocker]

On 04/02/2024 at 19:14, Soulfinger said:

Couples dancing together? It's the thin end of the iceberg. It'll lead to everyone sitting round in a circle in Carolina shag dance completion style. 

 

Great dancers at the right place at the right time. Cool tune anyone know what it is? Shazam no good on this one. Reminds me a bit of Al Green but it’s got to be Carolinas, surely?

[Soulfinger]

10 minutes ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Great dancers at the right place at the right time. Cool tune anyone know what it is? Shazam no good on this one. Reminds me a bit of Al Green but it’s got to be Carolinas, surely?

It is Al Green - Give It Everything from his Don't Look Back album. Shazam'll be being fooled because they've monkeyed around with the speed a bit.

[Pete Eccles]

Who cares? You do your thing and let others do theirs.

Never knew that there are dance rules, 

[Steve G]

46 minutes ago, Pete Eccles said:

Who cares? You do your thing and let others do theirs.

Never knew that there are dance rules, 

This. 

[Catsprint]

The Mrs & I frequent a couple of monthly ‘soul’ events where Norther, Motown and, as I call it, Pop Soul (wedding venue stuff) is played. The places are always well attended and I suppose the mix of tunes covers the masses. The Pop Soul sometimes fillls the floor with stiletto wearing dancers enjoying the music more than the Northern stuff. Why do we go? I’m more Northern, the wife more Motown and Pop Soul, so I suppose I’m ’Under Her (My) Thumb. And yeah you can tell the would be Strictly dancers.

[Nz Soul]

There was a mum and daughter who done synchronise great to watch but not saw them out for a longbtimev

[Citizen P]

On 05/02/2024 at 23:44, Wayoutgirl said:

Some of us can and will dance in heels when I wish to and sometimes in flats

 

Some of us women can actually dance regardless of the heel height we are wearing. Depends what mood I'm in. A couple at Brid actually thought the same as you and pre judged me on my heels  before I danced. Actually came down onto the floor and apologised even though I had no clue beforehand. Each to their own in my eyes.  

Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but Backwards in High Heels   

[Wayoutgirl]

3 hours ago, Citizen P said:

Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but Backwards in High Heels   

  That'll go over a few heads Tony