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YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN BANDSTAND DANCE

July 19, 2011 @ 10:53 PM

 
Here you see very popular American Bandstand Regular Arlene Sullivan showing Dick Clark a dance step. In my opinion she is showing him one of the steps to the very popular STROLL and I think that is borne out by one of the pictures further down the page...so be sure to click on the "read more" !

If I had to pick just one dance that I really liked to watch the most it would have to be the JITTERBUG as danced by Pat Molittieri or Carole Scaldeferri~~Pat because of her energetic hop-like steps and Carole for the cute little skip steps and the push that she did.

And if you talk about the WALTZ, well Justine and Bob immediately come to mind as they slow danced across our 1950s TV screens~~dancing as though they were alone on the dance floor and lost in the moment.

For pure fun, I'd have to say the STROLL where so many of the Regulars joined in and formed the famous 2 lines and we are all once again strolling down memory lane as we envision them moving and grooving to the music by the Diamonds.

So what were your favorite dances on the show from 1957 through 1961 and who you liked to see dancing to that style--and maybe even a particular song to fit the dance style. I hope you who loved early American Bandstand will post your thoughts here.

Showing 10 Comments
Eagle
on August 7, 2011 @ 7:42 PM said:
Looks like Arlene is wearing a Catholic school uniform? Did she go to West Catholic Girls High School?
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marsha
on August 8, 2011 @ 3:47 AM said:
Hi Eagle...According to our friend Eleanor, Arlene Sullivan attended John Bartram. Eleanor made a list for the FAQ section on the schools topic quite some time back and that is what she noted. I often see the schools mentioned when I am reading an old magazine article on the Regulars, so maybe I can update that FAQ topic even more as I come across this information. Those dark plaid skirts often remind me of some Catholic school uniforms as well.
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henry
on July 22, 2011 @ 5:59 PM said:
Who is the girl just going down the line in front of Arleen Sullivan? I have seen other pictures in this sequence on other sites and I am curious. When are they going to release more films of the of the regulars dancing to particular songs and the dances that were popular? There's important cultural history here!
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marsha
on August 8, 2011 @ 3:51 AM said:
Henry...I wanted to update my reply: I have recently learned that the girl in question in front of Arlene Sullivan in the stroll was a very early on Regular by name of Ann Sullivan, but not of the same family as Arlene.
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marsha
on July 22, 2011 @ 11:07 PM said:
Hello Henry and thank you for visiting and posting. I am very sorry that I don't know who the young lady is going down the stroll line just ahead of Arlene Sullivan, but I think the fellow she is dancing with may very well be the popular AB Regular Walt Grzelak. Let's hope someone will post her who knows who she is. You have asked the $64,000 Question on when will other films be released of the AB dancers. I doubt many exist, but if they do, let's hope for seeing them one day.
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arleneg
on July 22, 2011 @ 5:54 PM said:
Terrific, looks good,best of luck
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marsha
on July 22, 2011 @ 11:02 PM said:
Thanks, Arlene. I think it will be fun to work on this blog and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
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Marsha
on July 21, 2011 @ 2:25 PM said:
Thank you, Phil, and Pat. I truly believe this format will be an improvement and the idea is to keep this tribute growing and hopefully glowing.
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Pat H.
on July 21, 2011 @ 10:46 AM said:
Marsha, This looks great...best of luck to you in this new venture. Pat
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Phil
on July 20, 2011 @ 6:35 AM said:
Congrats on your new blog! I'll be back to check on new things.
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