Aunty used to love to dance. We would go to YIS dances where girls were free and boys paid $10. We had club social dances with other clubs. I met my first boyfriend there and we danced to “Hang On Sloopy” , flexing our knees and tucking our arms on our sides forward and back. That dance was called the Washing Machine.
We had the Twist (ala Chubby Checker), Watusi, the Charleston, the Chicken, Locomotion, the Swim, and great songs that just made you want to move. We would practice to get the moves right.
Then came disco, rap, line dancing (I only know the Electric Slide), and a bunch of new music and new dances that I did not keep up with or want to do. Instead, when we had our reunions and our oldie music was played, we would get up and move to the beat – mostly with the old reliable Washing Machine moves of swinging our arms and bending our knees up and down.
Bob Marley was a bit after my time. He was the reggae era of a new kind of hippy. Young people seem to like him a lot, and I like the message that he sends of peace, love, and happiness.
Here is a video of a young couple dressed as old hobos dancing to Bob Marley. I like their moves, but will stick to the Washing Machine.
Did you like it? Here’s another one – funky music edited with great oldie stars dancing away and away:
Feel too old to dance? Here is a Toni Basil (“Hey Mickey, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind…”) dancing at age 74. This was filmed 3 years ago and she is still moving and shaking. Amazing.
Here’s another oldster – 60 year old Canadian teacher funking it up with her students:
I really enjoyed the Uptown Funk with the old time stars. So much fun!
So weird. Every time I click to post my comment I get a message that Honolulu Aunty cannot handle the comment or something like that. Then I see that it posted anyway. Also noticed that your header changes every so often. That’s so much fun.
I notice that too when I reply to comments. Hmmm. Another thing to figure out….
Thanks! I like the old time stars too, but I notice that young people don’t even know who they are so it isn’t as enjoyable for them.
I remember the song, Hang On Sloopy, which was popular in 1965. But, I don’t remember the dancing. You had fun!
As for WordPress, I am not sponsored. It is just a regular blog, but after a few years, they came to me and started charging. I just have to pay $96 per year for 13 GB. And it is bug-free, so they do a very good job.
The important thing about WordPress is if you are happy with it. So far I am, too!
…love your posting, Aunty! Smiles are on my face while reading it and still smiling. Where did our young legs and years go?
Timelessly, forever, I wish I could dance the hula and Tahitian’s. I took lessons but my body, hands, hips did not talk to each other, also lack of Hawaiian language proficiency did not help (ha!)
I would love to go dancing with you when I am back in the island, if I ever can.
For now, do well, stay beautiful and wonderful.
Olivia! Ha ha ha!!! I do look forward to seeing you again and again!
Amazing dancers. proving that it’s an activity that can be performed at any age, even without a partner. I recall when we first met, you mentioned your love for dancing. I hope you’re still dancing, but watch it in the shower, since slipping is easy when wet.
Tutu
Good advice, Tutu. No dancing in the shower for me!