Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dancing is still in our hearts



(Left to right): Joseph Ritson, Andé Tyrer (Lyons), Cagney
Cagney is named after the American film star James Cagney, who was no mean dancer!
Photograph from collection of J. Ritson

Together with Frank Spencer and Peggy Spencer, Walter Laird and Andé Lyons were one half of the cabaret dancing act the 'Dual Dancers'. Building upon the popular development in dancing during and immediately after the Second World War the 'Dual Dancers' were demonstrated a wide repertoire of dances. Frank, Peggy, Walter and Andé were among the best exponents of Ballroom and Latin American dances, which can explain in part their popularity at the time.

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

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Blogger ritsonvaljos said...

Additional information

Generally speaking, at one time there used to be just four standard Ballroom dances - Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango and Quickstep. Latin American dancing and other dances became vogue in the British dance halls at a later time. Several noted Hollywood film stars, such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, and several others, helped popularise dancing that that people could see on the local cinema screen. Even the American 'tough guy' actor James Cagney proved he was no mean dancer during the war years. In the above photograph our four-legged friend on the right of the photograph is called Cagney, who is named after the original 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'!

Ballroom and Latin American Dancing has enjoyed an increase in popularity in the first part of the 21st century. However during and after the Second World War dancing became more popular than it had been before 1939, possibly because there was a need for such an enjoyable and healthy distraction. Frank, Peggy, Walter and Andé were among those who helped popularise dancing during those times. Thank you!

Wednesday, 26 November, 2008  

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