Uk's Top Northern Dancers Today

[Rugby Soul Club]

Thats what the Rugby crowd call him lol.... We just call him the young fella

Very nice young man works hard for the Belfast Soul Club and yes a good dancer

We also call him Lil but that's another story....

But as he's looking in at the moment, I'd better be good....he might pop down to Dublin at the weekend and slap my legs....

[Guest jo65]

We also call him Lil but that's another story....

But as he's looking in at the moment, I'd better be good....he might pop down to Dublin at the weekend and slap my legs....

Sian, if your gona get a slap on the legs...think what will happen to me when he see's I gave him a mention....

xjo

[Guest kevnewry]

I do too Kev hes very good

I just caught sight of myself on a clip but its a photo

and Im not tellin

mwahahaha

Now we've all got to see the clip you cant do that

[Guest]

my mate the soulsnake martyn from leicester

[Guest mel brat]

Just wondering who we think are the best northern dancers today...

Had this discussion on a recent thread, and concluded that 'acrobatics' alone, however dramatic, DOESN'T COUNT AS DANCING, as very few of the famous 'acrobats' can actually dance in time! (More controversy, sigh...)

I think truly great dancers are absolutely thrilling to watch, so I much prefer to see stunning footwork and flair, coupled with the ability to vary dance moves to suit different rhythms and tempos - including Seventies and Funk, and slower items too - as well as to improvise moves to an unfamiliar record. (Good dancers don't just dance to records they know well, as they have the confidence and rhythm to adjust their moves as they go along)

[Guest Bearsy]

Had this discussion on a recent thread, and concluded that 'acrobatics' alone, however dramatic, DOESN'T COUNT AS DANCING, as very few of the famous 'acrobats' can actually dance in time! (More controversy, sigh...)

I think truly great dancers are absolutely thrilling to watch, so I much prefer to see stunning footwork and flair, coupled with the ability to vary dance moves to suit different rhythms and tempos - including Seventies and Funk, and slower items too - as well as to improvise moves to an unfamiliar record. (Good dancers don't just dance to records they know well, as they have the confidence and rhythm to adjust their moves as they go along)

that is what defines a great dancer to me too , rolling around on a floor aint dancing, is it

[Guest Matt Male]

Anyone else care to add?

PS you tube clips might help folks make a decision

Cheers Mand

Ok you asked for it...

I was bored alright?

[Guest andyrattigan]

Keb Darge one of the best dancers on the scene and also Irish lad called Paul Mulholland. Also agree with other posts that acrobatics are not what defines a good dancer. Its footwork that keeps in time with the beat and a rhythm that is consistent with the melody or tune of the music. A few floor moves are good but only in a record with breaks IMO. That said I dont pay too much heed to how people dance as long as people are feeling the music thats the main thing.

[Guest jo65]

Had this discussion on a recent thread, and concluded that 'acrobatics' alone, however dramatic, DOESN'T COUNT AS DANCING, as very few of the famous 'acrobats' can actually dance in time! (More controversy, sigh...)

I think truly great dancers are absolutely thrilling to watch, so I much prefer to see stunning footwork and flair, coupled with the ability to vary dance moves to suit different rhythms and tempos - including Seventies and Funk, and slower items too - as well as to improvise moves to an unfamiliar record. (Good dancers don't just dance to records they know well, as they have the confidence and rhythm to adjust their moves as they go along)

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Have to agree on this..confidence and rhythm..allso a passion for the music helps.

[Paul Jnr]

Had this discussion on a recent thread, and concluded that 'acrobatics' alone, however dramatic, DOESN'T COUNT AS DANCING, as very few of the famous 'acrobats' can actually dance in time! (More controversy, sigh...)

I think truly great dancers are absolutely thrilling to watch, so I much prefer to see stunning footwork and flair, coupled with the ability to vary dance moves to suit different rhythms and tempos - including Seventies and Funk, and slower items too - as well as to improvise moves to an unfamiliar record. (Good dancers don't just dance to records they know well, as they have the confidence and rhythm to adjust their moves as they go along)

I agree and when you fall to the ground, then it ruins your trousers.....well thats my excuse anyway

[Guest]

I have to give a mention to JC from Barcelona one of Ana friends, imo a top dancer. He was in the dancing competition at Prestatyn both him (and is it) Gemma from Dudley? imo should have come somewhere. Also another top dancer is another youngster John he is almost balletic when he dances a pleasure to watch.

[Guest]

I dont know why Rick Poskitt (org Scarboro) hasnt been mentioned, He was one of the top dancers with all the moves in the old days and can still do everything but the acrobatics. For a guy of 48 and with a bit of weight on him now what a mover and so soulful and those bloody tattoos he really stands out in a crowd.

[Bazza]

In the old days 72,73,74,...there were 3 or 4 fantastic dancers in nottingham,I like to think I was as good as them,sadly I cant remember there names,dont know if they are still around or not,but as far as I remember they never did gymnastics..nor did I ,and another thing I cant ever remember using talc..

did the gymnastics side of it come just after those years ??

why is it when you see a clip of northern soul dancing...its always gymnastics..I dont remember it that way

perhaps Im just getting to be an old codger with a fading memory

Bazza

Edited April 18, 2007 by bazza

[Peter99]

My memory would suggest that gymnastics had a fairly shortlived "window". I started going places in 76 and they were the rage then. We used to practice in my mates front room - I was never that good and therefore very conscious on the dancefloor - being a non gymnastic dancer. I was pretty pleased when they started to fade out - 79 - 80ish? Maybe that had something to do with the introduction of modern soul music - I think gymnastics and modern would not have worked.

Of course there remained the hard core gymnasts - they still remain today, particularly at places like Wigan. Scotty from Doncaster liked his gymnastics!

[Paul Jnr]

legend has it, that they used to run up the walls at the wheel and a flip back onto their feet.

[Peter99]

legend has it, that they used to run up the walls at the wheel and a flip back onto their feet.

Mmm - I as heard that leg end too.

[Paul Jnr]

Mmm - I as heard that leg end too.

A new move for me to try next time I'm out Lol

[Peter99]

A new move for me to try next time I'm out Lol

Do we need to have some of those very nice St John Ambulance volunteers on stand by.

[Paul Jnr]

Do we need to have some of those very nice St John Ambulance volunteers on stand by.

Think its probably best....I could slip on the Talc

[wendy]

what about Karl Rhodes! Think the surname is Rhodes. Lovely, gentle chap, his footwork breaks my brain, so fast.

& the young lad in the 'Long After Tonight' film, with the big flares on, great timing

& the not well known but truly awe inspiring Debbie from Clonmel. Every time that girl is dancing I have to sit down, she's so graceful (& has the dirtiest sense of humour)

& yep, Paul Mulholland dances like Muhammed Ali

anyone coming over for the Sleepless anniversary on Saturday is in for a treat, Steve Cato, Debbie, Liam Quinn all in one room going for it bigtime, cant wait

edited to add J.C. from Barcelona! How come noone's mentioned him yet? For shame.

Edited April 18, 2007 by wendy

[Madmandy]

On what Mandy ????

Bazza

Youtube mate

Its all photo clips where was the last place we saw you ??

Edited April 18, 2007 by Madmandy

[Madmandy]

my mate the soulsnake martyn from leicester

Which clubs does he visit Marky?

[Madmandy]

Now we've all got to see the clip you cant do that

Kev its only a photo its part of a montage for leabrooks /alfreton soul clubs

I go there when I can get because its 75% oldies and thats what I particularly love!

I will find it and post it up Im sure Ian wont mind the free Publicity!!

Edited April 18, 2007 by Madmandy

[Madmandy]

Had this discussion on a recent thread, and concluded that 'acrobatics' alone, however dramatic, DOESN'T COUNT AS DANCING, as very few of the famous 'acrobats' can actually dance in time! (More controversy, sigh...)

I think truly great dancers are absolutely thrilling to watch, so I much prefer to see stunning footwork and flair, coupled with the ability to vary dance moves to suit different rhythms and tempos - including Seventies and Funk, and slower items too - as well as to improvise moves to an unfamiliar record. (Good dancers don't just dance to records they know well, as they have the confidence and rhythm to adjust their moves as they go along)

Have you noticed some 100 mile an hour dancers are buggered when it comes to the slower tempo stuff?

I have a friend who still does all the moves but even hes started doing acro work when theres no break in the record but then who says it has to be done where there is a break???

I like to watch all the dancers to see if they do anything new and to be truthful there arent many who keep inventing new moves nevertheless I still like watching the various styles

[Madmandy]

Ok you asked for it...

I was bored alright?

Matt he looks really weird without his keks and shoes !!

bet he looks better with them on!

[Guest mel brat]

My memory would suggest that gymnastics had a fairly shortlived "window". I started going places in 76 and they were the rage then. We used to practice in my mates front room - I was never that good and therefore very conscious on the dancefloor - being a non gymnastic dancer. I was pretty pleased when they started to fade out - 79 - 80ish? Maybe that had something to do with the introduction of modern soul music - I think gymnastics and modern would not have worked.

Of course there remained the hard core gymnasts - they still remain today, particularly at places like Wigan. Scotty from Doncaster liked his gymnastics!

I have no real problem with gymnastics as and when they occured, as a natural reaction to the uptempo records of the day (Mirwood etc.). BUT they had a much longer "window" than your memory suggests, as this type of dancing was popular at The Torch at least (C.1972/3), and even before if you count the 'Russian Rolls" that skinhead/suedeheads performed C.1971 ! In fact, they seemed to be dying out by the end of 1973 as I recall, but I think the emergence of Wigan prolonged this type of dancing beyond it's natural span! There were a couple of reasons for this I think:

a. Wigan was a very large venue and there was ample room on the dancefloor! (unlike say, the Catacombs, Va-Va, Carlton Club etc.)

b. A lot of the Wigan regulars after 1974/5 were brand new converts to Northern Soul, due to all the publicity in the tabloid press. They knew very little of the Soul scene other than what they saw and learned at that venue, possibly taking their cue from the likes of Jethro and some of his mates from Wolverhampton (they who danced to 'Footsie' on Top Of The Pops and were overly fond of being photographed!) However, these were themselves 'recent converts' to Northern Soul. I was at college with Jethro in 1974, so I know this to be true.

This in fact MAY also account for the artificial adoption of a Soul 'uniform' of baggies, badges, long leather coats et.al., as prior to Wigan fashions were changing naturally over time, and by 1974 baggies were on the way out too, as was the wearing of badges/patches. (Due to Selectadisc's policy of selling mass produced badges wholesale to hundreds of local record shops, the "wrong" people - ie. 'divs' - were suddenly seen wearing Torch, Twisted Wheel badges etc., alongside their Bay City Rollers tartan scarves or whatever!)

I might add that these are just personal observations and musings (before I'm hung, drawn and quartered again...), but I have yet to read any comprehensive account of how (and why!) dancing styles developed and changed on the UK Soul scene. Perhaps somebody should write a book...

Edited April 18, 2007 by mel brat

[Guest mel brat]

I agree and when you fall to the ground, then it ruins your trousers.....well thats my excuse anyway

Nowadays, when I "fall to the ground", I find it's better to stay put and have a short nap!

[Ezzie Brown]

I have no real problem with gymnastics as and when they occured, as a natural reaction to the uptempo records of the day (Mirwood etc.). BUT they had a much longer "window" than your memory suggests, as this type of dancing was popular at The Torch at least (C.1972/3), and even before if you count the 'Russian Rolls" that skinhead/suedeheads performed C.1971 ! In fact, they seemed to be dying out by the end of 1973 as I recall, but I think the emergence of Wigan prolonged this type of dancing beyond it's natural span! There were a couple of reasons for this I think:

a. Wigan was a very large venue and there was ample room on the dancefloor! (unlike say, the Catacombs, Va-Va, Carlton Club etc.)

b. A lot of the Wigan regulars after 1974/5 were brand new converts to Northern Soul, due to all the publicity in the tabloid press. They knew very little of the Soul scene other than what they saw and learned at that venue, possibly taking their cue from the likes of Jethro and some of his mates from Wolverhampton (they who danced to 'Footsie' on Top Of The Pops and were overly fond of being photographed!) However, these were themselves 'recent converts' to Northern Soul. I was at college with Jethro in 1974, so I know this to be true.

This in fact MAY also account for the artificial adoption of a Soul 'uniform' of baggies, badges, long leather coats et.al., as prior to Wigan fashions were changing naturally over time, and by 1974 baggies were on the way out too, as was the wearing of badges/patches. (Due to Selectadisc's policy of selling mass produced badges wholesale to hundreds of local record shops, the "wrong" people - ie. 'divs' - were suddenly seen wearing Torch, Twisted Wheel badges etc., along with their Bay City Rollers tartan scarves!)

I might add that these are just personal observations and musings (before I'm hung, drawn and quartered again...), but I have yet to read any comprehensive account of how (and why!) dancing styles developed and changed on the UK Soul scene. Perhaps somebody should write a book...

only had one badge, a torch badge on my bag, no need for anything else!!!! dropped out in75 partly due to commercialisation!!! ezzie[ was 21!]

[Guest mel brat]

I dont pay too much heed to how people dance as long as people are feeling the music thats the main thing...

• 
  

"Feeling the music" (and expressing that feeling) is the very esssence of Soul dancing. It's why we just gotta get up and do it!

[Guest ZTSC]

Morris Chestnut at Prestatyn !

[Bazza]

Have you noticed some 100 mile an hour dancers are buggered when it comes to the slower tempo stuff?

I have a friend who still does all the moves but even hes started doing acro work when theres no break in the record but then who says it has to be done where there is a break???

I like to watch all the dancers to see if they do anything new and to be truthful there arent many who keep inventing new moves nevertheless I still like watching the various styles

Dunno whats up with him these days..never happy ,not happy about talc the music,as for gymnastics ..there is a time for them in a record usually the break,as you you say if the music is not 100mph..he's had it,I think he's forgot how to enjoy himself at these do's,bit sad really

cya soon Mandy

Bazza

[Guest]

My only experience of northern soul dancing when I was 14-16 was at an under 18's disco - Out On The Floor was always played, probably twice throughout the night, and for some reason I felt compelled to include some gymnastics during the line 'I'm getting my kicks out on the floor'. Usually a byrani followed by a back somersault - it just felt right and I had no idea until years later what other soul dancers were doing along similar lines.

[Little-stevie]

that is what defines a great dancer to me too , rolling around on a floor aint dancing, is it

[Reg]

My personal favourite for originality and not confirming to the usual bald man shuffle..(he has a very healthy head of hair) I will nominate Mr BearSoul...and not just because he's watching this thread at the moment

[Peter99]

It really don't matter though does it - as someone else has said dancing is a way of expressing ourselves - some of us are better dancers than others. But let's just Dance, Dance, Dance!

[Guest]

It really don't matter though does it - as someone else has said dancing is a way of expressing ourselves - some of us are better dancers than others. But let's just Dance, Dance, Dance!

Amen!

[Guest Bearsy]

It really don't matter though does it - as someone else has said dancing is a way of expressing ourselves - some of us are better dancers than others. But let's just Dance, Dance, Dance!

It does not matter in general Peter about how anyone dances because like you say some are better than others. its about expressing yourself in the music and enjoying every moment of it. when i attempt to dance i am in a world of my own and i just get lost in the music but i do try and dance with the beat and tempo of the song, when a good dancer dances to a tune that he/she knows well and spins,drops, kicks etc at the right time of the tune it is for me like watching poetry in motion.

some of the floor work you see being done is not in time with anything to do with the tune most of the time and thats why im not a great fan of floor work.

shufflers rule

[Peter99]

shufflers rule

I like to shuffle too mate - you can shuffle to 60s, 70s, 80s the lot - or at least I try to. I also try my very bestest to keep in rythm and beat. Don't always manage it these days - particularly when dancing, dancing, dancing - with lager, lager lager!!

[Guest Bearsy]

I like to shuffle too mate - you can shuffle to 60s, 70s, 80s the lot - or at least I try to. I also try my very bestest to keep in rythm and beat. Don't always manage it these days - particularly when dancing, dancing, dancing - with lager, lager lager!!

Peter that sounds like a song in itself

same as for me too

[Madmandy]

I have no real problem with gymnastics as and when they occured, as a natural reaction to the uptempo records of the day (Mirwood etc.). BUT they had a much longer "window" than your memory suggests, as this type of dancing was popular at The Torch at least (C.1972/3), and even before if you count the 'Russian Rolls" that skinhead/suedeheads performed C.1971 ! In fact, they seemed to be dying out by the end of 1973 as I recall, but I think the emergence of Wigan prolonged this type of dancing beyond it's natural span! There were a couple of reasons for this I think:

a. Wigan was a very large venue and there was ample room on the dancefloor! (unlike say, the Catacombs, Va-Va, Carlton Club etc.)

b. A lot of the Wigan regulars after 1974/5 were brand new converts to Northern Soul, due to all the publicity in the tabloid press. They knew very little of the Soul scene other than what they saw and learned at that venue, possibly taking their cue from the likes of Jethro and some of his mates from Wolverhampton (they who danced to 'Footsie' on Top Of The Pops and were overly fond of being photographed!) However, these were themselves 'recent converts' to Northern Soul. I was at college with Jethro in 1974, so I know this to be true.

This in fact MAY also account for the artificial adoption of a Soul 'uniform' of baggies, badges, long leather coats et.al., as prior to Wigan fashions were changing naturally over time, and by 1974 baggies were on the way out too, as was the wearing of badges/patches. (Due to Selectadisc's policy of selling mass produced badges wholesale to hundreds of local record shops, the "wrong" people - ie. 'divs' - were suddenly seen wearing Torch, Twisted Wheel badges etc., alongside their Bay City Rollers tartan scarves or whatever!)

I might add that these are just personal observations and musings (before I'm hung, drawn and quartered again...), but I have yet to read any comprehensive account of how (and why!) dancing styles developed and changed on the UK Soul scene. Perhaps somebody should write a book...

I absolutely love these kinds of observations

Its those kinds of memories that keep a history of what happened where and why it did

Thanks for sharing Mel

Mand

Edited April 19, 2007 by Madmandy

[Guest Roccia]

My choice:

North: Dave Bacon from Rotherham

South: Oscar Romp from London

Italy: ex aequo Prince Philip Frumento from Genoa, and Nick "The Italian Stallion" Scarpellini from Rimini

Edited April 19, 2007 by Roccia

[Madmandy]

I absolutely love these kinds of observations

Its those kinds of memories that keep a history of what happened where and why it did

Thanks for sharing Mel

Mand

I would also like to thanks everyone who contributed to this topic

Ive enjoyed it immensely no north south divide

Jus bigging up the dancers across the UK as a whole!

[Madmandy]

My choice:

North: Dave Bacon from Rotherham

South: Oscar Romp from London

Italy: ex aequo Prince Philip Frumento from Genoa, and Nick "The Italian Stallion" Scarpellini from Rimini

Sounds like a very continental line up

Are they all still dancing today Roccia?

[Guest jo65]

I would also like to thanks everyone who contributed to this topic

Ive enjoyed it immensely no north south divide

Jus bigging up the dancers across the UK as a whole!

Yes Mandy, it's good to appreciate all the dancers that really do us all proud on the scene..

and to see someone dance well...ALWAYS makes me smile

[Guest in town Mikey]

In my youth I used to love the acrobatics. Now, maybe because my waistline wont allow me to do them, I find on the whole they are a little embarrasing. I certainly feel very self conscious dancing next to someone doing them. Especially if they are bad.

I like watching graceful dancers, like Drew (the girl) from Croydon I think, and a guy about 40 ish, that we used to call Gina Dave, when he worked for Gina in London. He went to North Wales to go back to college, and I last saw him at Prestatyn in 2006.

They are both so effortless, and look like they could carry on for hours on end without having to rest.

I also love watching guys and girls who have their own unique style. Nothing like the majority, but have worked out something that they feel comfortable with, and therefore stick out a little. One of the great things about this scene is dancers like that are embraced rather than ridiculed because they are dancing slightly differently.

Best of all tho, are the ones who totally lose it. Eyes shut, and bellowing out the song playing. Sometimes hardly moving, because they are just lost in the moment. its pure quality to watch, and its kind of why we all go. That orgasmic moment when the song has hit them and they could be anywhere or all alone, They've just lost it.

I did ask about one girl who's piccy was on here a while ago. She gets to miost of the north of england venues. Wears glasses, and was in the Dazed and Confused article on the Rocket. I love watching her dance. Again she is one who rarely leaves the floor, and she looks so effortless.

Edited April 19, 2007 by in town Mikey

[Guest Bearsy]

In my youth I used to lovbe the acrobatics. Now, maybe because my waistline wont allow me to do them, I find on the whole they are a little embarrasing. I certainly feel very self conscious dancing next to someone doing them. Especially if they are bad.

I like watching graceful dancers, like Drew (the girl) from Croydon I think, and a guy about 40 ish, that we used to call Gina Dave, when he worked for Gina in London. He went to North Wales to go back to college, and I last saw him at Prestatyn in 2006.

They are both so effortless, and look like they could carry on for hours on end without having to rest.

I also love watching guys and girls who have their own unique style. Nothing like the majority, but have worked out something that they feel comfortable with, and therefore stick out a little. One of the great things about this scene is dancers like that are embraced rather than ridiculed because they are danding slightly differently.

Best of all tho, are the ones who totally lose it. Eyes shut, and bellowing out the song playing. Sometimes hardly moving, because they are just lost in the moment. its pure quality to watch, and its kind of why we all go. That rgasmic moment when the song has hit them and they could be anywhere or all alone, They've just lost it.

I did ask about one girl who's piccy was on here a while ago. She gets to miost of the north of england venues. Wears glasses, and was in the Dazed and Confused article on the Rocket. I love watching her dance. Again she is one who rarely leaves the floor, and she looks so effortless.

I would class myself in that bracket Mikey , the record finishes and im knackered cos i just sung all the words to one of me favourite tunes as loud as the music will let me without anyone else being able to hear my bad singing. when i close my eyes and go into one there is no better feeling on this planet

Bearsy

[Guest Roccia]

Sounds like a very continental line up

Are they all still dancing today Roccia?

Definitely all of them...

Saw Dave Bacon at Brighouse Ritz last February, Oscar Romp at the 100 Club on November, and about Phil Frumento and Nick Scarpellini, they're two close friends of mine and they attend almost all the soul do's over here...

[Stuart Bower]

I still like to dance. When I wore a lad, back in seventies and early eighties I thought I could mix it with the best.

Here in 2007 - I am rubbish!

Ditto

[Guest gibber]

Check out Moloko`s - Familiar Feelings .Video .

Great dancers .I know its on Myspace Videos.

Thats better

Edited April 19, 2007 by gibber

[Guest]

She gets to miost of the north of england venues.

Don't we all! Oh! Most