How did we ever get to this from the Fred Astaire days of beauty, charm, grace and romance?

This is more a reflection on society than it is on music. People don't integrate anymore and nowhere is it more obvious than in today's dancing.

I just finished watching a documentary about the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago and the great Coliseum they built. Couldn't help but think this is the modern day version of a warmup to the gladiator games in the main arena.

Mark, people are moving closer and closer towards what they think will make them happy. I went through the same things you are now going through with the Hokey Pokey, and the Alley Cat, nothing new here. I eventually put all the line dancers on a CD and use it to satisfy the dancers.
Keep in mind that people lke to be up front in your place with all eyes on them.

Mark, give them what they want, but don’t lose you.
Keep going my friend, John C.

Wobble Dance Worldwide Phonomenon

I do this song at every one of my gigs and the dance floor is packed with young and old!!

The Old want to keep up with the young, and the young want to interact!

BIG DITTO !!

The "Wobble" is the newest line dance on the list, first releasing in 2008. It gained immense popularity after Beyoncé was captured doing the dance while visiting family. It's an easy yet fun dance for the whole family. Watch the adorable couple below surprise their guests with the "Wobble" in the middle of their wedding dance.



Line dances are the best way to get your guests off their butts on the dance floor. The songs are catchy and upbeat, practically forcing the body to want to move and groove. Have fun picking line dances that suit your audience, and remember it's not about knowing the moves perfectly but instead about letting loose and having fun with the people you love. Happy wedding day, now go put on those dancing shoes and get to work!

I think it started with the Ally Cat. Some smart guy made a big hunk of money just by getting people out of their seats. As soon as people got bored another guy step in and writes a new one. When you think about it, they are great for getting them out of their seats when you start losing them.

My favorite one was the Hooky Poky, I can get any part of their bodies and get them do what I want. My favorite part was; “You put your best part in, you put your best part in”. I got laughs and things picked up. Sometimes I would put an older guy in the center and do the same thing, the woman went crazy. If they are having a good time, you should be having even a better time.


Another get involved song I used was, the song, Sheik of Araby. Their part was to say, “With no pants on” after my part. Ex. Into your tent I’ll creep – (they answered) With no pants on. They were into what I was doing, they were laughing. My best instrumental could no do the job better. We have a chance to make the job FUN!

Just saying, John C.

PS, many years ago some bands put on gorilla masks to get people laughing. Wouldn’t do that, I’d rather go home. There is a limit.

John...here's one I wrote that you might want to try.

At the end of the HP....stop the music....and when it becomes silent...go out on the floor with the group and sing (to the melody line)....

You put your money in, but you don't take it out
'cause I come along and I sweep it all about
I do the Hocus Pocus and I make it disappear
And that's the only reason I'm here!

Maybe I said it wrong. Line dances, of course, are part of the musician's First Aid package when no one is moving! What I meant was simply......"what happened to the Fred Astaire days of beauty, charm, grace and romance?"

But this stands......."This is more a reflection on society than it is on music. People don't integrate anymore and nowhere is it more obvious than in today's dancing."

As folks alienated themselves from each other over the years, with the help of technology, I've noticed how it became harder and harder to get them on the dance floor for "contact dancing." I've done nothing but parties (I wouldn't know how to even PLAY a restaurant or night club) for all of my career. It went from the Knight of Columbus's, American Legions, Lion's Clubs, etc where people were hungry for music to dance to where they actually held each other. Yes, if it wasn't for line dances you'd have to put "vacancy" signs on the dance floor and hope somebody inquires about filling the vacancy.

I don't know....is that progress?

I have found that in a retirement community line dancers usually are women. They are widowed or their husbands just don't want to dance because they may be weak or otherwise disabled. They line dance gives them the chance to dance with others like them. Let's face it. Women like to dance and if they are alone the line dance is a safe way to do
that. Nothing wrong with that.
MEL

I had the honor (I THINK) of having the wobble dance done for me for my birthday. It was done by a challenged mom and her two challenged kids (I serve as guardian), along with about 50 smiling youngsters from an African Methodist church.

Everyone was smiling, having a great time, and I appreciated the effort.

Mark is right. My mom was a professional dancer, and I had to see every Fred Astair, Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly movie ever made...MULTIPLE TIMES!

What a difference!

But in the moment, the effort for me on my birthday was appreciated.

I guess you had to be there.


Russ

I'd like to see Mason WOBBLE!

R.

I don't have a problem with the 'dance' ... and the big guy in this video is smooooth ...


It's the lyrics that turn me off:
https://www.google.com/search?safe=activ...i71.c3hcMLp9hqE

That's no problem for sure. In fact I fell on my ass twice Sunday. Lucky that I didn't break something.
I do have doting parents come in and want to see their precious little spoiled offspring get up in front of everyone and dance. The wobble is popular. I also think it is harmless unless it is interfering with the enjoyment of other customers, in which case I cut it off.
Some of them would leave the kids up there all night, assuming everyone thinks they are as cute as they think they are.
This happens rarely and I don't encourage it, but it does happen and I deal with it as needed.
I also have requests for other "dances", and if I hear a nasty word I turn it off immediately without apology. Apparently some parents don't even listen to the songs to which their kids are listening.
At this point in my career and/or life, I don't have to put up without anything unless I choose to.
Bah, humbug!

Gotta be careful, Don ... I am currently in a concussion protocol due to what I thought was a slight bang on the head ... Had to give up today's gig, and hope that's the only one ...




+1

I know...my head banged on the ground pretty hard. I had to have a ride home because I was afraid to drive. My back felt like someone stuck a knife in it. I was fully expecting to go to the ER or DR Monday, but when I woke up it was much better so I decided to wait.
Yesterday, it was like nothing had happened; I felt completely normal. I even played golf yesterday. I felt it wasn't much short of miraculous.

Maybe you should get checked anyway ... I fell a week and a half ago, spent a day at a casino, played gigs etc. before I started feeling light-headed about three days ago ...

i'M peFectally nOrmal. my momma had me chECKed whenI was TOO.

Funny, but let's not fool with this ...

Thanks Tony, but I feel great and it has been four days now. I would be playing golf but it's raining.

I never let a little rain stop me from attempting to destroy par! LOL! Funny how we tend to get a bit wiser as we age.

You would need a golf boat to play today.

Ok, Don, but if you feel any change please get checked ...
God Bless

LOL about the boat, Don. That front screamed through here like a freight train on a mission, complete with hail and high winds. The worst part was the darkness at 4:30 AM and my wi-fi is down so I can't check the radar on my iPad. It's always something.

Tony is right... if you feel dizzy or begin to have headaches... get it checked out.