YESTERDAY'S MEMORIES of a Bygone Time

Friday, August 03, 2007

So You Think You Can Dance??

We've been watching the TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance", last year and this year, and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I've learned a lot about different types of dances, and can even very occasionally spot a mistake a dancer might make. Most of the time, though, I'm just in awe of what they can get their bodies to do.

When they dance Swing or other 40's era dances, I always think of my Mama and Daddy. They loved to dance when they were young adults, while they were dating and also as young marrieds. They used to talk about working all day and then going out dancing night after night, enjoying the sound of the Big Band giants of their day. Living in Chicago, they actually did get to dance to some of the greats, such as Benny Goodman. Mama's eyes would always light up when she remembered those days.

I guess that's why she insisted that I take dancing lessons when I was in High School. I really did learn how to do all the ballroom dances, too, such as the Fox Trot, Tango, and, of course, the Waltz. The bad part about it was that, except for a few Valentine Dances, I never did go dancing anywhere.

Rock and Roll was taking over at that time, and about the only thing any self respecting teen would be caught doing was the Bop. It was a joke to go to a High School "Dance", as everyone stood around and talked. The only time I really remember much dancing going on was to the Bunny Hop, where we would make long snakes all around the gym floor, weaving in and out of the "talkers" who were in our way.

So, will a TV show like this change the attitude of people about "going dancing"?

Labels: Ballroom Dancing, Big Band Era, Bop, Daddy, dancing, High School Memories, Mama, So You Think You Can Dance, Yesterday's Memories

posted by Dirty Butter 4:53 AM

Comments:

There was a long time in my life when I wanted nothing more than to be a ballerina forever. Dance was my life. But I was told I would never be good enough to be a prima ballerina.

I was so surprised years later at how everyone loved "A Chorus Line." I think dance is a metaphor for a lot that is Life.

# posted by

jan : August 03, 2007 1:13 PM

Jan, I remember being totally blown away by Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz." Shows and movies like this don't prompt me to want to go dancing, but they certainly make me appreciate those who can.

Hmmm .... metaphor for life? I'm having a dense day today, I guess. I don't get what you mean. Care to elaborate??

# posted by

Dirty Butter : August 03, 2007 3:59 PM

I can't believe how they can make their bodies move either. Mine quit any kind of limber years ago. lol

# posted by

Rising Rainbow : August 08, 2007 10:05 AM

I don't think I was EVER that limber, rising rainbow!! LOL

# posted by

Dirty Butter : August 08, 2007 11:16 AM

We went to a dance several weeks ago with a "live" dance band playing all the great songs from the 30s and 40s and 50s, and my goodness you should have seen those couples in their 70s and 80s dance the jitterbug!

# posted by

Norma : August 10, 2007 3:39 PM

Good for THEM!! It's great exercise, if you can get a willing partner. DH never did dance, and has no interest in it, plus we don't go out at night if we can help it.

# posted by

Dirty Butter : August 10, 2007 5:24 PM

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