Soul Train used to be some strange show to me that used to come on after all the cartoons were over on Saturday morning/early afternoon. Strange and…intriguing…as the intro started with that psychedelic cartoon of a train running on the tracks (and turning into the “Soul Train” logo), and the voice calling out “It’s the Sooooooooooul Train!”
I would watch young people in outrageous clothing shake their hips and wave their arms. It was odd to me and not odd. I can’t explain it. All I know is that years later I would learn to sing by attempting to imitate Aretha Franklin (not truly succeeding but not unsuccessful either, as I am from Kansas and severely Caucasian), I would be fronting my own 8 piece soul/R&B/Blues band and singing the very song in this video (Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” is one of the best soul songs out there). Oh, and also shaking my hips (pretty nicely, I might add). If I ever scan in the pictures and convert the VHS tape to DVD I’ll show it to you sometime. Me, in leopard skin pants!
Soul Train is a jewel of American culture, created in 1965 on a UHF channel in Chicago, and Don Cornelius (and his fab hexagon spectacles) pretty much invented the line dance–and I don’t mean country dancing. I mean everyone lines up in two lines facing each other, then take turns in twos going down the row and struttin’ your stuff. Plus they had amazing soul acts on the show: The O Jays, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Tower of Power and Gladys Knight and the Pips.
When I found the video I posted yesterday, I had no idea what it was an actual excerpt of. I did a bit more digging and found out that Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan was actually a ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton (Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet in London). He saw Isadora perform himself when he was on holiday with his family. He was only 17 years old. She made such an impression on him (even at 44 and admittedly past her prime) that he knew he was witnessing something special and went back again and again to see her.
He carried his memories of Isadora with him until 1976 when he created Five Waltzes for the Rambert Dance Company and starred ballerina Lynn Seymour.
Since then it has been recreated in the 80’s and in 2004. I found an introduction to the first video, with interviews of Lynn Seymour as she rehearses the latest ballerina to recreate her role, Tamara Rojo. She speaks a lot about what Frederick saw in Isadora Duncan and what inspired both him and her. Really a lovely clip. Enjoy!
I found this fantastic video of an Isador Duncan style-dance and thought it would go perfectly with this luscious quote of hers:
“Every movement that can be danced on the seashore
without being in harmony with the rhythm of the waves,
every movement that can be danced in the forest
without being in harmony with the swaying of the branches,
every movement that one can dance… in the sunshine,
in the open country, without being in harmony with the life
and the solitude of the landscape – every such movement is false,
in that it is out of tune in the midst of nature’s harmonious lines.
That is why the dancer should above all else choose movements
that express the strength, health, nobility, ease and serenity of living things.” Isadora Duncan
I love the idea that to dance is to be in harmony with the land, the sea, the air and the fabric of life around us. Dance is living and dance is life.
Isn’t Tamara Rojo gorgeous? Just look at the expression on her face, her joy, her FEET!! More on her later…
The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers’ director Jon M. Chu, along with choreographers Harry Shum Jr. and Chris Scott made a video announcement today on their YouTube page that they have officially been invited to perform on the telecast of the 82nd Academy Awards March 7th on ABC. Sa-weeeeeeeet!
Thank gawd for Mr. Adam Shankman, director of the presentation this year. Seeing as he has a vested interest in dance, he is certainly making it way more interesting for those who love dance. Can’t wait to see what he’s concocted for the viewers.
Meanwhile, Jon also said the LXD had been invited to perform on Ted Talks (ted.com) next week. Tune in for that online!
How could I forget to write about this? The highlight of the evening of the Grammy Awards presentation last Sunday was absolutely Pink. The fantastic blend of her music with the beautiful fabric acrobatics was absolutely stunning. Just really a moment of aesthetic stimulation in a sea of shake-em-up-and-stick-it-in-their-face performances. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed most of the night, but Pink’s piece was a welcome break from the relentless pace of the night. Check it out here:
Even the moment with the water was breathtaking. And “Glitter in the Air” is really a pretty song. Made me want to go listen to her latest album, which I haven’t wanted to do in a while. Here’s lyrics from the song:
Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it.
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face
And said I just don’t care?
Wow. So…so…gorgeous, lush…oh.
She didn’t win any Grammy’s that night, but what an award-winning performance. Really a class act. Thanks Pink!
