The Story
Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. (Havelock Ellis, psychologist)
So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing. (T. S. Eliot, poet)
The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing. (James Brown, musician – the Godfather of Soul)
I got started dancing because I knew it was one way to meet girls. (Gene Kelly, actor/dancer)
The main thing is dancing, and before it withers away from my body, I will keep dancing till the last moment, the last drop. (Rudolf Nureyev, dancer)
I have no desire to prove anything by dancing. I have never used it as an outlet or a means of expressing myself. I just dance. I just put my feet in the air and move them around. (Fred Astaire, dancer)
Program (Past Posts)
Act 1: Dance
Act 2: Dancing
Dance is a rhythmic action to music, but it’s also an event where the action occurs. Then again, from the time we most-likely first danced on someone’s lap, one can dance anywhere – around the house, down the aisles of the grocery store, or wherever one desires.
Those who do it well, dance with style while expressing a message. For others, dancing is a fun activity because it brings them joy.
Act 2 features songs with Dancing or Dancin’ in the title.
Caution: No duplicate songs, which includes the same song by a different artist.
Production Note
To prevent browsers crashing from loading too many videos, please 1) include the song title and artist in your text, and 2) paste the URL as part of your last line (not a new line). The latter will provide a link, thus not embed the actual video … but I don’t mind unembedding, so apologies are not necessary.
Announcement
No matter the skill level, dancing is an expression for the dancer. Opening an act with an instrumental, but Act 2 is about dancing. Ladies and gentlemen, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to honor a dancing legend for the opener. Enjoy not only Dancing in the Dark by Ray Conniff (which is from the movie Band Wagon), but also the expression by Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire.
Dancin’ Fool! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PatEynaDidk
By the Guess Who… not inducted into the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”
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You beat me to the first spot! Great choice!
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I had a back up…. Dancin’ Fool (Frank Zappa) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fnKqnqfuaI
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Oh how mean of you! Now what is Marina going to choose? 😉
I have about five backups!!!
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I’m mean?
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Nah…not really ~ just teasin’!
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“lol” 🙂
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Resa,
Having back-ups is always a good idea … but using them without the title and artist isn’t a good one … especially when it makes The Producer look bad … but he added the info for you and then deleted his comment elsewhere.
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Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire are fabulous! Luv!!!
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Resa,
The opener was a last minute change … but when I found this one, I knew I had to use it. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Oooohhh…I always love Cyd Charisse! Add Fred and you’ve definitely got smooth down to an art…
Well, I’ll go in a different direction! How ’bout a little Jackson Five with “Dancing Machine”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSjn3CAC5zI I almost gave a second song but I shall leave the options to the others… However, should my second song not show up, I reserve the right to add another! Deal?
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Cool… deal! Wow, what fun!
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Hey girls, I sure am glad I’ve got backups!!!! 😉
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😁
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Dale,
Good choice … and the first one tonight I didn’t know. Meanwhile, hold that other one back until this evening.
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Yiu didn’t know the Jackson Five song? I’m flabbergasted! 😉
No worries…my backups were already submitted and I think I’ve done enough…
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Nope didn’t know it … but outside of the mega hits, they were a bit off my radar back in the day.
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Ahhh. I used to watch the cartoon!
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Here’s “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin'” by the Scissor Sisters: http://youtu.be/4H5I6y1Qvz0
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Omigosh! I can’t help but see Hugh Grant in “Music and Lyrics” when I watch this video! Fun stuff!
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Danica,
Such a fun song for my morning. Good choice.
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I can’t dance 😦 Never have.. never will probably..
Irony, I choreographed and organized some of the most memorable mini-ballets and dance dramas in college. I could tell them what they should do, but never danced myself haha.. just lazy I guess and too much of an anti-social creature.
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So, Tejaswi? You may not dance, but you must have a “Dancing” song somewhere inside!
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Oh Dale, lots of them… but in another language (or languages, LOL) … And it is a moot point now, because dancing is absolutely out of the question now 🙂 Thank heavens, even the worst situations often turn out to be blessings in some ways hahaha… But, hey, at least I used to stand, walk, act gracefully in the old days.. never mind my Elephant Man posture now 😀 Just kidding, I still try to stand upright.. the good soldier that I wasn’t 😀
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If you can prove the title of your song has “dancing” in it, regardless of language, I am positive The Producer will accept it.
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Ok, but I really think you are asking for trouble, Dale 😀
You see, we have 22 major languages in this country and then 700 more dialects and a vibrant movie industry in all those major languages and then some. And each of those regional industries produce more movies per year than Hollywood and its associated European studios combined 😀 And guess what? Almost ALL of them are musicals, ranging from the utterly crass to the sublime (but mostly crass).
Ok, but since you asked: by language >>
Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK5E_aeBGYA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK5E_aeBGYA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOS-0sIW-Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4zIFKyM8Pjg https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Fwe7PwZqpLI
Marathi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GowgfCbYmM
Tamil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_18hXo5G0
Ok, there are hundreds, thousands of others, but why kill you like this? 😀
And then, don’t forget, hundreds of dance forms both classical and casual.
Punjabi:
(Played during weddings, called the Gidda) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgKNs94TIP0
and its crass modern version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8EnjbxUNI
Anyway, I could add all the classical dance forms and folk dance forms as well. But then Frank would be miffed that I wrote a lot more than I am allowed, once more, as always 😀
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Tejaswi,
Nope, I’m not miffed … but The Producer is because he forced him to translate all those titles.
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Eesh… I suggested adding one Tejaswi! Note to self: Mind your own business Rogerson!
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You were just doing your duties.
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But I feel as if I may have overstepped. I didn’t, after all, get a good morning!
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You were simply encouraging a new guest.
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Ok, I am sorry.. And please tell Dale not to mind me.. I apologize to her too. I will not bother you people, sorry..
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Tejaswi,
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Would you please translate the song titles?
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Because there is nothing better than Santana Live, I give you Dance Sister Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdhqbINYpME
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Duck!
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Val,
Nice song … but Dance was Act 1
… so here’s one for you – Dancin Shaggin on the Boulevard (Alabama) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZYOJQ79DOw
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Did I read it wrong, dang it.
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Yep … just Dancing or Dancin’.
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Just because I am out of it, here is ABBA, Dancing Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s
And Martha & the Vandellas, Dancing in the Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc
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Good comeback as I’ve been awaiting Dancing Queen!
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I’ve been waiting for that one too!!! 😉
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Here’s to 1977 and the BeeGees, “You Should Be Dancing,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhvXzy8gGBI I love this video. It’s definitely 1977 all over again. 🙂
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Debra,
Woo hoo … I was expecting this one .. but the video is a hoot. Well done!!!
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That video was too much fun (‘specially as I just recently rewatched Saturday Night Fever!)
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Usually I post entries based on the music, but for this one the video beats all else. For anyone who ever feels a little insecure in their level of social acceptability, I present Mick Jagger and David Bowie singing “Dancing in the Street”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G4jnaznUoQ
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O.M.G.! Hadn’t seen that one in eons! What a hoot!
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Not an addition but I do believe that Martha & The Vandellas were much much better! 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc
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But because I do not wish to be unkind to master Bowie: “John, I’m Only Dancing” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VrqCBsbeuc
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Alisha,
Oh wow .. I know the song, but haven’t seen this video. i wonder how little time it took Jagger and Bowie to do this video! Many thanks.
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I can’t think of any song besides “Dancing in the Dark— that I like—- with that gerund in the title, so I will just get me some punch, and sit this one out with the wallflowers over by the wall.
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Cynthia,
Not only do I have you covered, I think you will love the video. Here’s I Want to be a Dancin’ Man (Fred Astaire) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2OYt8weUkA
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What a wonderful gift, Frank.
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Thank you. I can tell you’ve been busy and even issued a warning. 🙂 … and Good Morning, Dale.
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Sorry I got over-zealous. Won’t happen again! 🙂
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Oh! There’s my good morning. I missed it! 😘
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LOL … but I should say that I’m crushed that you thought I missed it.
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You are crushed! Imagine me, fearing I’d lost the love!
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LOL …. Meanwhile, I’m trying to calm The Producer down. He actually thought he could sleep in this morning. After all, there are two words. … So, I had to awaken him, … he ate his bowl of chipping glass, and then got to work. I probably should stay away from him the rest of the day.
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That buzzer’s been going left, right and centre this morning. You can bet I shall stay clear of him!
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“….a dancin’ man with footsteps on the sands
of rhythm and rhyme!’
Loved watching/listening to it this morning. A great pick-me-up. Thanks Frank!
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Sorry I got a little enthusiastic there. Will stop butting in so much!
And good morning.
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All my favorites got taken tonight, so here’s Leo Sayer singing a straight-up rendition of “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YvPwQdJdkc
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Tim,
Your choice is very surprising to me … especially because I was expecting something like this one … I’m in a Dancing Mood (Dave Brubeck) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oW5kcBWpys … and I know you will enjoy it.
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Très bien! Your “Dave Brubeck y su banda” link was TOP DRAWER Dave Brubeck all the way. I’ve checked out the Dave Brubeck album “Dave Brubeck’s Greatest Hits” from the library several times, but I had forgotten about his wonderful latin style piano jazz charts. Sadly, like everybody else, “Take Five” is the main piece that sticks in my mind from this brilliant jazz composer and performer.
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… and I knew you would appreciate this addition. Thanks for confirming.
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I got one for you Frank. Your collection won’t be complete without the Dancing Machine (Jackson 5): https://youtu.be/zq6HjnwtfaI
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Amy,
A fitting song by classic artists … even with dancing … but already use a few hours ago.
… but the good news is that I think this title is something you have done before … Dancing Barefoot (Simple Minds singing Patti Smith’s song) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fktus7mT6Mo … enjoy!
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Oops! I didn’t see it anywhere in the comments I read. Oh, well!
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It happens.
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I want to dance under the rain… 🙂 Beautiful, as always beautiful. Thank you dear Frank, love, nia
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Nia,
I know you love to dance. In terms of you dancing in the rain, Gene Kelly dancing in the rain comes to mind, but the song was Singing in the Rain. So, I found a song for you .. Dancing in the Rain (Hillary Weeks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17x2LAaVHY8 … 🙂
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Thank you so much 🙂 Love, nia
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So here’s my addition [one of them – the rest later if no one adds them]
Kate Bush: Heads We’re Dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9NaEOoOLU4
Happy Wednesday, Frank! 🙂
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Okay, I’m pretty sure no one would add this and it’s only fair I should as it’s from my all time favorite band …Genesis: Dancing With The Moonlight Knight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jlMk2Zi3B8
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Another I haven’t heard in a moon’s age!
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🙂
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Marina,
Not only a throwback in time, one that I didn’t except!
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Marina,
I don’t know this song … but I do like it!!!
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The first song that pops into my head is “Dancing Queen” by ABBA: https://youtu.be/xFrGuyw1V8s
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Colline,
A great song and a classic, but already used.
… however, here’s one for you – plus I think you’ll like it … Dancing Shoes (Dan Fogelberg) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKp899kRmw … enjoy
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Must have missed it while I was looking at the list 🙂
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A tip … If you are a Windows user, I use CRTL F to find a keyword on the screen … but I’m not sure about the Apple equivalent.
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I read posts on my iPad 🙂
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Hmmmm … not sure if there is a Find function or not.
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Flashdance by Irene Cara https://youtu.be/-kUIKhMAAvw I thinks I got it!!! 🙂
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Kim,
That song will work well in Act 3, but this act is only Dancing or Dancin’ in the title.
Here’s a classic artist from long ago … When We Are Dancing (Louis Armstrong) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRTLznD-Y7s … Ahhh … I like it, so I hope you do.
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I confess I was on my way out I didn’t read. I’ll read when I get home.
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I know this. My grandmother played it when we were kids. Yes, I like memories. Thanks for your help.
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Cheers to your grandmother!
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I hope I’m not too late. I was Slow Dancing in a Burning Room with John Mayer. http://youtu.be/IfFi4Q7ueA8
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Jim,
Now that’s an easy-going song … thus very good for my morning!
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Ease into the morning is good advice.
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I see my first choice (Leo Sayer) and my second (ABBA) have already been taken. But I came prepared, so here’s my third: King Harvest – Dancing in the Moonlight: https://youtu.be/hMc8naeeSS8
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X,
Now there’s a song I had forgotten about, so many thanks for the hit from the past that slipped past me. Well done!
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Okay mister with the big red button image lol, I better not see that image on my submissions lol. I have 2 I don’t think anyone has mentioned: Chubby Checker – Dancin’ Party https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqjQOmvQBjs and Lionel Richie – Dancing On The Ceiling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdQDXs75Ulo
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Kia,
LOL … no big red button for you because they are excellent additions. I love the ending of the Lionel Richie video.
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Hmmm. so many titles gone.
How about RIcky Nelson ‘s “Come out Dancin’ “? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwasgbKi7F4
Fingers crossed.
In any case here’s a great vintage 50’s Bop dance video with Ricky himself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIbfoQeBNFM
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Mouse,
Ah yes … taking us back to a simpler time .. .and memories of Ozzie & Harriet. … Nice supplement of Ricky dancing!
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I figure if I search early decades, there’s a chance of those were forgotten. Ricky was quite a dancer. Someone noted he never looks at his dance partner. Possibly being the “cool” detached one like James Dean? Husband just laughed and said Ricky was obviously trying to remember all the steps. The industry really tried to groom him for stardom. Had to love all the outfits of the kids, too.(how old they looked so young)
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Good points – The television industry to searching for stars because (being new) they didn’t have them.
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Wow. Interesting observation.
I guess at that time Elvis was the heads up that the teens were a new source to tap for business. Up to then, kids were “little adults” and dismissed as far as having money – parents and adults held the purse strings and budgets?
Good point, Frank
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History does have a way of speaking to us … well, to those willing to listen.
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People may need to turn down the local volume in order to hear distant calls? Think Paul Simon went into that in one album/CD/collection of songs…probably others, too
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Late to the party, but still I have a song nobody has picked: Willie Nelson, Slow Dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YWkx3ipODk
I gotta do something about this job of mine. It keeps interfering with blogging.
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Elyse,
I embrace a variety of genres in the musicals, so thanks for expanding it … and bringing along Willie!
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Well Frank, you know I’m an Aussie, so I have to promote the local talent, right? Not that they really need any introduction at all, you may have seen them around a bit in the 1980’s and ’90’s, so I present to you Dancing on the Jetty (INXS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I8UJvkiJPw
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Joanne,
Loud cheers for adding an Aussie band to the mix … and oh yes … I remember this one! 🙂
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Good Evening …
A little late for the musical (Latin Style). I checked the other songs today. I didn’t see this one I’m adding. I went for the real theatrical with Bob Fosse. I danced to Dancin’ in the Dark choreographed in his style. Every movement is felt when executed. It was an audience pleaser.
I’ve seen it several times. I hope you enjoy it. I Wanna Be a Dancin’ Man – Fosse https://youtu.be/Zm0bkywFONY?list=RDZm0bkywFONY
Isadora 😎
p.s. Are we having wine at intermission. 🍷
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Isadora! That was so very cool!
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Thank you, Dale. Bob Fosse is one of the Jazz Dance Greats !!!! 😎
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Isadora,
As a wine lover myself, beverages are allowed at aFa Theater for the Performing Arts … and for the regulars, it’s on the house … and not the cheap stuff!
Meanwhile, your choice is outstanding … Besides adding a touch of Broadway, this is great to watch. Many thanks.
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Ahhh … theater and Broadway go well together. I miss going to the theater in New York. Bob Fosse has an enormous reputation in the world of jazz dance because of his unqiue style. I’m pleased you enjoyed the video. It is all about the dance. No fancy costumes and no distracting backgrounds. The dance is it. 💃
I’ll have a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon please. I really appreciate a good wine. It’s even better when it’s on the house. Thanks, aFrank.🍷
I have more tunes to listen to.
Isadora 😎
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I have a Cab on hand from Peachy Canyon that doesn’t make the stores. Here ya go … cheers! … Clink!
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Cheers to you and good health … clink 😊
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Ready for a second glass?
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I love the quotes, and the film clip–one of my all-time favorites. I can’t think of any titles. I was thinking “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” the actual title is “Cheek to Cheek.”
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Merril,
Believe it or not, I considered Dancing Check to Check in the opener, only to discover (like yourself) that isn’t the correct title. However, knowing the importance of the opening act setting the stage by being a good example, I followed The Producer’s strong suggestion of not using it. However, because this is such a classic, (and much to the dismay of The Producer), I stated this song would be accepted if and only if a guest brought it forward …. (thus meaning I couldn’t use it – which made The Producer less agitated.) So, from the movie Top Hat, here’s Fred & Ginger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOYzFKizikU … and thanks for mentioning it.
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You’re welcome! I’m glad the Producer gave in. Fred and Ginger are what I always think of with this song, but the Ella version is also great–it’s used in the movie The English Patient.)
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Part of my agreement with The Producer was to show Fred and Ginger dancing .. but I will have to listen to Ella’s version. Thanks for the tip.
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I could watch endless videos of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse or Gene Kelly but what I can’t do is dance. Is there a song called Two Left Feet?
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Mudge,
Although Two Left Feet wouldn’t qualify for the act other than qualifying for The Producer’s buzzer, you are in lucky .. actually triple luck.
1) You can see Fred and Ginger dancing in my replay to Merril (near your comment).
2) Fred Astaire’s first film was Dancing Lady … and here’s a scene (and interesting to see other big names) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sopYeFeWhhg
3) … and here’s Carly Simon’s Attitude Dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcHTyILUimU … which just so happens he also recorded.
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I’m surprised this Courtney Cox appearance didn’t appear … so here’s Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=129kuDCQtHs
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A surprise to me too! So here are 3 more: King Crimson: Lady Of The Dancing Water https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4XJy29ntdY,
The Platters: I’m Just a Dancing Partner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FL5dgliX8c,
Ultravox: Dancing with Tears in my Eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ_OetMwdPs [still a couple more but I think enough! 😉 ]
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Love the variety in these three .. but the one by King Crimson captured my attention the most. Meanwhile, I still have about 10 songs on my go-to list, but I’m holding them back.
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I thought this would have been taken already. But – unless I missed it – I didn’t see it in anyone’s comments. Dancing in the Street by Martha & the Vandellas: https://youtu.be/CdvITn5cAVc
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RoSy,
Well … you must have anticipated this.
Here’s one for you … How Could We Still Be Dancin’ (Brian Wilson w/ Elton John) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6HY_tGvo1g … Enjoy.
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Oh well… LOL
I’ll leave you a {Hug} anyway. 😀
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