DANCE OVER MY
LIFETIME
Sometimes I think back to all that I have
seen and experienced over my lifetime. So many changes of fashion, trends and
music over the last sixty years. Kind of a tapestry where the many variations
are interwoven over the decades. Music and dance would shift and change in what
was popular. These forms of creative expression allowed us to say what we were
going through as a nation and culture. Times of war, and times of peace each
left their mark. The newest generation would try to distance themselves from
their parents. I remember to some degree
the innocence of the sixties hearing Ricky Nelson and Connie Francis who sang
“Where The Boys Are.” That song always seemed to be floating on the airways as
I clicked off my lamp to dream. Music
was a big part of my life back then because I was taking piano and clarinet
lessons. So it only seemed natural that dance would soon follow. Looking back,
I now see how I actually had two avenues where dance fulfilled the need inside
myself for self-expression. Social dancing like the twist, to an art form of
dance like ballet.
In 1962, I began taking dancing lessons at
the local dance studio run by Mr. Johnny Dannon. I was so excited wearing my
pink tights and blue leotard. My soft pink ballet slippers were laced around my
ankles with matching pink ribbons. In my lap, a box held my silver tap shoes
for the following class. Modern jazz, which I also took was the on the
following night. That first day holds fond memories for me. We were all lined
up eager and shy. We soon became good friend and comrades. Taking ballet gave
me a deep appreciation for classical music I might otherwise not have had. It
was hard work as we lined the barre intently having the five basic dance positions
drilled into us. We faced a full length mirror so we could see our image. This
helped us to make sure we were positioned just right. Mr. Dannon had this long,
poolside pointer he used as he went down the rows. Correcting to perfection our
stance, be it the balls of our feet, to if we did a grand plie’ correctly.
Ballet taught me discipline, and how you must work hard to obtain a goal. That
the grace of a prima ballerina was something that took talent and deep
commitment.
Tap on the other hand, was pure fun. To me
it held the magic of Rita Hayworth, and Ginger Rogers. In that class of course,
we learned the steps and the different combinations. So I shuffled and ball
changed all over my parent’s new den floor. I would integrate some of the moves
I had learned in modern jazz applying them to tap. I’m really surprised my
mother didn’t throw a fit. I think it was because tap crossed the era gap
between me and my father. At times he would try to join in with me in some
routine I was practicing. Me and him would often watch older movies from the
forties together. Those were filled with elaborate dance scenes. My dad really
admired Fred Astaire thinking him one ‘Dapper Dan.’ Tap really allowed me to
experience the listening end of music. How that just changing the tempo of
playing a song on the piano, could end out with a totally different means of
dance. I learned the importance of music and how dancing allowed you to
physically ‘feel’ the music. How the rhythm, and melody could let you physically
express what mere words couldn’t say. It was a more entertaining form of dance
even if it was viewed as an art form.
I took lessons for many years. At the end of
every year a recital was held. To be awarded one of the main positions in the
recital was done through tryouts. One year we had a recital that I really
wanted to play the part of Bella, a forest princess. I practiced very hard
making it through the tryouts. Finally, the day came and my name was announced.
I was so proud tears just rolled down my face. My fellow classmates crowded
around to congratulate me. It was a flurry of fittings for the beautiful
costume. The tutu was a green net with velvet, oval ‘leaves.’ My hair was pulled back and I wore a tiara. The
costume was not the reason for me wanting the part. It was the tale behind the
play. I felt very connected with the character, and loved the interpretation.
When I got closer to my teens my eyes began to open to social aspect of dance.
Shows like American Bandstand, with host Dick Clark introduced me to an outside
world where week after week I heard new music.
So many historical events happened between
the sixties and seventies. The innocence of the fifties exploded as integration
spread new forms of dance. The rock and roll era of the sixties where Chuck
Berry was the rave, gave way to more tragic years. The Viet Nam war ensued and
the nation was divided. The youth gathered together at Woodstock rebelling
against the war and promoting peace. I remember distinctly those hippie days
where freedom greatly affected music and dance. By the eighties, dance once
again changed as disco became popular. Me and my husband even took disco
dancing lessons and went to some of the area clubs. It was a fun, and provided
a needed way to get away from the everyday hassles of life.
As the years passed, over and over the
trends changed. From break dancing to rap, there was a need for the next
generation to stake out their own individuality. Dance had so many purposes
beyond just expression. It could also be used to become fit and healthy. I did
many a Jane Fonda workout, as I danced to music. I think one of the most
beautiful form of dance I ever saw was at an Indian Reservation in Utah. Two
young Navaho girls were all decked out in their native costumes and did the
Basket dance. It is one of many dances passed on from generation to generation
that are part of sacred ceremonies. They are full of symbolism representing the
web of life. So dance along with music can be used to hand down stories and
customs.
This topic is especially close to me now
that I’m a songwriter. I have such a deep appreciation for it. I always try to
write lyrics that in some way will go beyond my audience just sitting and
listening. I want it to reach further to where it reaches out and moves you.
Since I live in Texas, the music I write is mainly country where swing and
doing the two-step are popular. It’s a simple life here and it is greatly
reflected in the music. Sometimes I will play on YouTube one of the old songs
from my past to my granddaughter. She has just now reached her teens and knows
how to do the twist. She will often look at old pictures of me and say “Gosh
grandma, you dress just like we do now.” So sometimes fashions and music styles
repeat over the years. I just feel blessed to have seen the many different
trends as each made their mark.
[MARY L. PALERMO]
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