Posted on by qscrisp

Honolulu

Fairly recently (I believe it was some time last year), I conceived an interest in tap-dancing. As a spectator. Actually, I'd love to tap-dance myself, but it might be a bit late for that. Besides, I've got no money, and don't know where I'd go to learn. Anyway, that's not the point. I find myself regarding some of Eleanor Powell's routines with we're-not-worthy AWE. Clearly I'm not the only one. From Wikipedia:

According to accounts of the making of [Broadway Melody of 1940], including a documentary included on the DVD release, Astaire was somewhat intimidated by Powell, who was considered the only female dancer ever capable of out-dancing Astaire. In his autobiography Steps in Time, Astaire remarked: "She 'put 'em down like a man', no ricky-ticky-sissy stuff with Ellie. She really knocked out a tap dance in a class by herself."

This one makes me well up sometimes when I watch it:

And here's the full, uncut sequence:

(I love the exchange between the guy and his jealous girlfriend at the table.)

I wrote to my musical collaborator, the incomparable Sasa, and told him that I wanted to write some lyrics about this dance sequence. He responded with marked enthusiasm, but asked me to keep the lyrics short, as I have a tendency to be prolix. Anyway, I have now written some lyrics (under the title, 'Honolulu') and delivered them into Sasa's capable song-writing hands.

6 Replies to “Honolulu”

  2. I’ve watched these a lot. I’m completely unqualified to pass judgement, but certainly of the dancers I’ve seen so far in this genre, she seems the best. It’s like watching a rare moment when the universe actually allowed life to acheive its true potential. It’s completely joyous.I am reminded of a couple of songs about dancing:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y_NFbSfdXAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlimsLXEkAc“I danced myself out of the womb.Is it strange to dance so soon?”I suppose some might find it eccentric.

  4. I love the comments under that clip:I’m a die hard rocker…Zep, Deep Purple…all that stuff…I’m a drummer…love the ‘groove’…I would give my Left…uhhh, stick to play with this band…doing this tune…right by god now…I remember this from 30 years ago…I was soooo in love with Agnetha!!! Mien Kliene Schotzie!! My mom’s name was Lise-Lotte…ich bin en Hamburger!

    ABBA ROCKS…FUH EVUH!!!

  5. 😆 Yes, the comments are sometimes very funny….and telling. I have no idea if this group is still together. I bought the record album with Dancing Queen but it’s probably warped by now or given away by my ex because I left some things at his house. I think this was even before 8-track tapes……25 yrs ago? Or was it longer?

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