Could You Do These 1968 Dances Like They Did?
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Published 2024-06-06
I have added the music because this whole movie footage was silent.
The Twist: Originating in the early 1960s, the Twist was popular throughout the decade. It involved twisting the hips and legs in opposite directions, often done solo or with a partner. While not overtly sexual, the hip movements were suggestive, breaking away from the more conservative dances of previous decades.
The Jerk: This dance involved sharp, jerky movements of the arms and legs. It was often performed to fast-paced music. The movements were less about sensuality and more about energetic expression, making it less sexually suggestive.
The Watusi: A dance characterized by wild, flailing arm movements and a freeform style. Similar to the Jerk, it was more about energetic expression than sexual suggestiveness.
The Mashed Potato: Involved sliding the feet back and forth in a manner reminiscent of mashing potatoes. The dance was playful and fun, with minimal sexual implications.
The Frug: A simple dance with distinctive arm movements, often performed with a loose, relaxed style. Generally considered more fun and carefree than sexual.
The Swim: Involved mimicking swimming motions with the arms while moving the hips and legs. Playful and light-hearted, without strong sexual overtones.
The Pony: Involved a bouncy, galloping motion, often with coordinated arm movements. Energetic and fun, with minimal sexual suggestiveness.
The Boogaloo: A dance that combined elements of Latin dance with more contemporary moves, emphasizing fluid hip movements. More sensual due to the hip movements, but still within the realm of expressive dance rather than overt sexuality.
Teenagers in the late 1960s learned dances through a variety of means.
Television: Popular TV dance shows like "American Bandstand," hosted by Dick Clark, and "The Ed Sullivan Show" showcased the latest dance crazes. Teenagers would watch these programs to see new moves and practice them at home.
Music Variety Shows: Shows featuring live performances by popular bands and artists also included dancers, providing inspiration and examples of current dance styles.
Movies: Films like "West Side Story" (1961) and "Bye Bye Birdie" (1963) featured elaborate dance sequences that influenced popular culture. Movies like the "Beach Party" series starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon showcased fun, energetic dances that teenagers imitated.
Dance Parties and Social Gatherings: High school dances, sock hops, and house parties were common venues for teenagers to practice and share new dance moves with each other. Teen dance clubs and local community centers often hosted dance events where the latest music and dances were featured.
Some teenagers took formal dance classes to learn popular styles. Books and pamphlets on dancing, often available at local libraries or bookstores, provided step-by-step instructions for various dances.
Learning from peers was one of the most effective ways to pick up new dances. Friends would teach each other moves they had seen or learned elsewhere. Popular dances spread quickly through social networks, with teenagers teaching each other at any social opportunity.
Publications like "Seventeen" and "Tiger Beat" often featured articles, illustrations, and photos of the latest dance trends and how to do them. Some newspapers and magazines had dedicated sections where dance experts or popular artists shared tips and instructions.
All Comments (21)
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Yep, was in high school then 💃🏼🕺🏼❤ that first was called the Jerk 😂
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You need to upload more videos of parties from the 50s to 70s but with the original music… I could watch those all day. What a vibe!
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What I enjoy most about dancing in this era, was that you either had rhythm. Or you did not. But the expression was alive, and the participation was there. Allowing someone to be taught something new. Society has lost its Color.
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Teen musical dance shows of the 1960's also had go, go dancers in go, go, boots.
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The girl in the red shirt is feeling it. :)
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We called that the jerk (Blacks)😂
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"Let's Do the Freddie" a dance made popular in the mid 1960's by Freddie & The Dreamers to do The Freddie, simply stand in place; then, in rhythm with the music first extend the left leg and left arm; then the right leg and right arm. Repeat until the song's conclusion. 🎶
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Man... Make dancing cool again.
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A wild scene from the swinging 1960's it seems every decade had its own wild dance crave like the Charleston of the roaring 20's Jitterbug of the 30's Swing of the 40's cool music David.
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Couldn't then....can't now.
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Hahaha.. my brain says yes… my joints say… bugger off fella… hahahahah
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Man, they are getting it in there. They are having a great old time. This is of what I like to see is people having a bunch of fun bunch of positivity going on love it. Thanks David for your video. Much appreciated my friend you take care and have a great day.
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Well no wonder there were so many people of decent weight just look at how they all danced.
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Fun video, David! 🎉😅 Those weren't too hard. Just a lot of wiggling. Haha. The guy in the blue 👕 was wild! 😂 🙌❤️
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I think I heard that these were called the “epileptic seizure.” 🤣
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There's no way I could dance to the song "Shout!," now! Someone would have to call 911 !😂
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No way!! I'd end up breaking everything that's not broken already!! Still, great fun to watch...thanks, David, and I LOVE the stock music!!
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That was quite light. When I was younger I could dance jive, acrobatic rock & roll… besides all the classical dance like waltzers, samba, rumba, tango, cha cha cha… my life was the dance and music. I wish I still could do it! Even just in my own kitchen…
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Yeah The jerk…by then that dance had been around for 4 years!!
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Hey this type of dancing is great for weight loss and overall fitness 💜 Not to hard to do either I think it needs a comeback 😀
