this is the right board to post this on but i'm gonna throw it out there.

I'm new to the site and this is my first post so be gentle with me. I've recently gotten into Northern Soul in the last few years and totally enjoy the music. I guess the next step for me would be goin to a  NS nite, but personally i'd like to be able to get on the dance floor and not make a complete fool of myself. I've watched tutorials on youtube and was wondering if anyone knew of any dance classes in the North West area (well Wigan really). Alot of people (posts) say its not about being a good dancer but enjoying the music, which i agree.  But i'd at least be able to at least master the basic moves....

 

Any help would be much appreciated

KTF !!

10 minutes ago, Ianc1971 said:

this is the right board to post this on but i'm gonna throw it out there.

I'm new to the site and this is my first post so be gentle with me. I've recently gotten into Northern Soul in the last few years and totally enjoy the music. I guess the next step for me would be goin to a  NS nite, but personally i'd like to be able to get on the dance floor and not make a complete fool of myself. I've watched tutorials on youtube and was wondering if anyone knew of any dance classes in the North West area (well Wigan really). Alot of people (posts) say its not about being a good dancer but enjoying the music, which i agree.  But i'd at least be able to at least master the basic moves....

 

Any help would be much appreciated

KTF !!

You don't need dance classes mate. Just get on the dance floor, get into the vibe and enjoy yourself. 

Welcome to the site.

Pete

Cheers pal. i understand what you mean but i dont think i'd have the confidence without knowing some steps first.

2 minutes ago, Ianc1971 said:

Cheers pal. i understand what you mean but i dont think i'd have the confidence without knowing some steps first.

Have a look on some YouTube vids - just google. Also plenty of vids on here. You'll probably make plenty of new friends on here - probably some will be local and happy to take you to a venue.

what's your name? 

My name is Ian pal. My missus is really into it as well. I've looked up a few local nites but we've always been away when they're on. Looking forward to going to our first nite.

1 minute ago, Ianc1971 said:

My name is Ian pal. My missus is really into it as well. I've looked up a few local nites but we've always been away when they're on. Looking forward to going to our first nite.

Nice one Ian. Enjoy the site and your new found music interest. 

Cheers pal

Eup ian !!!! Like all the above say ,just watch a few YouTube clips an off ya go m8 ,you'll love it ,me n Shelly found the scene 15 years ago an we've had the time of our lives m8 and it just gets better  atb baz n Shelly 

Practise in your kitchen, that's how most people gain their confidence. A dance class will destroy any freedom of expression, which is what the dancing is all about. You may feel all eyes are on you on the dance floor, that's simply NOT the case. It's a very embracing scene. As long as you're there, genuine, and not carrying drinks across the dance floor, nobody gives a flying fiddle about how you dance. You should see me! I dance like I'm wired up to the national grid! Don't waste your time and money on a "dance class". Just practise in the privacy of your own home with You Tube. The more you practise the more confident and comfortable you'll be. Good luck!

places to go if you are from wigan, are newtown just down the road from the casino,or Monaco in Hindley or my be stubshaw all good for beginners.

When I first got into the music in the early 70's we didn't have YouTube or smartphones, we just went to the venues, stood on the edge of the dancefloor and watched. You then went home, found a full length mirror and tried out a few moves. Back to the club, edge of the floor, and steeled yourself to take that first step. Once you did you were swallowed up in the music, the rumbling bass, the gyrating words spiralling through the air and into your ears. After that nothing really mattered, least of all what others thought of your moves. if you sneaked a peak at the other dancers, you'd see they were lost in their own thing too.

The dance styles of today, to my eyes, seem very formulated, do a little shuffle thing that looks like you're polishing the floor with each foot, quite tamely , and if you do the acrobatics then everything else is just marking time till the backdrop, the kick and the spin.

I'd always prefer the feet being led by the rhythm, and everything else led by the soul. Anything else was an accent, a highpoint in the song, but not the main part of your performance.

Just be glad you don't want to dance to the fierce jazz fusion/samba/Latin grooves of the 80's. now that was competitive!

What lovemusic said, just don't waste any money on dance lessons which are run by divvies cashing in on the uninitiated.

12 hours ago, Ianc1971 said:

this is the right board to post this on but i'm gonna throw it out there.

I'm new to the site and this is my first post so be gentle with me. I've recently gotten into Northern Soul in the last few years and totally enjoy the music. I guess the next step for me would be goin to a  NS nite, but personally i'd like to be able to get on the dance floor and not make a complete fool of myself. I've watched tutorials on youtube and was wondering if anyone knew of any dance classes in the North West area (well Wigan really). Alot of people (posts) say its not about being a good dancer but enjoying the music, which i agree.  But i'd at least be able to at least master the basic moves....

 

Any help would be much appreciated

KTF !!

Its NOT compulsory to hit the floor, especially on your first few nights, nobody notices if you do or don't dance. So go to a night, watch what goes on, practice at home if possible, and hit the floor when you feel ready. As has been said lessons will be a waste of time and money, dancing to soul music is a very individual thing, nobody does it the same way, it's NOT like line dancing.

Edited December 2, 20168 yr by Kegsy

Welcome to the scene Ian, just get out there, too many first timers I've spoken to over the years get concerned about what others think and feel they have to dance a certain way. Just get out there and your own steps will flow with the music,Christ I hate to think what I look like on the floor but who cares, if you have got into the music purely off CDs and YouTube getting out and about will blow you away.

Just re-read your first post LANC1971  and I spotted something I missed before.

You implied you'd never been to a NS venue before.

Get yourself to one asap. Some music can be appreciated via vinyl, cd's and online. Not so Northern Soul. you need to be at the frontline. Whether dancing or listening, with mates or on your own. it will blow your mind!!!

Get to Lowton Civic next Friday night, £7 on the door. May will take your money, and Rob Haigh will probably be next to her. Say hello and tell him it's your first NS night, and Andy Love recommended you came here first.

Rob is on here, as is Barry Maleady the promoter for Lowton. A friendlier bunch you couldn't ask for. 

Apart from the friendly crowd, and the great music, the star is the big dancefloor and high ceiling. Your music at home will never sound the same again!

 

2 minutes ago, lovemusic said:

Just re-read your first post LANC1971  and I spotted something I missed before.

You implied you'd never been to a NS venue before.

Get yourself to one asap. Some music can be appreciated via vinyl, cd's and online. Not so Northern Soul. you need to be at the frontline. Whether dancing or listening, with mates or on your own. it will blow your mind!!!

Get to Lowton Civic next Friday night, £7 on the door. May will take your money, and Rob Haigh will probably be next to her. Say hello and tell him it's your first NS night, and Andy Love recommended you came here first.

Rob is on here, as is Barry Maleady the promoter for Lowton. A friendlier bunch you couldn't ask for. 

Apart from the friendly crowd, and the great music, the star is the big dancefloor and high ceiling. Your music at home will never sound the same again!

 

Barry hasn't been on here for ages - is he alright?

P 

10 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

Barry hasn't been on here for ages - is he alright?

P 

He posted on the events comments 4 hours ago, Peter.

16 hours ago, Ianc1971 said:

Cheers pal. i understand what you mean but i dont think i'd have the confidence without knowing some steps first.

Hi and welcome, we're pretty new here too, whereas my lass is a great dancer I'm pretty s**t...

Everyone was crap at first, don't worry about it, when I started goin' in the 8ts I hung around with all ex-Wigan folks, they were all pretty good movers, I was pretty terrible though and came in for a fair bit of light-hearted p**s taking, when anyone laughed at my dancin' I just used to say 'Yeah but I'm great at fightin'...

When you're 'in' the record it's impossible to look uncool, just get up there and let your hair down, once you get that no-one gives a f**k you'll be fine, anyone who says anything is a dick and is way more uncool than someone diggin' the groove! The soul scene has always been way cool in this respect, oh and if you crash into someone, apologise, smile and shake hands, you just made a new friend! Oh and if you're blessed with lots of hair don't forget the Johnny Thunders hair flick!

Practise dancin' round the kitchen, shock the postman!

Practise to this one, the instructions are in the lyrics!

 

2 hours ago, Peter99 said:

Barry hasn't been on here for ages - is he alright?

P 

 

1 hour ago, Steve S 60 said:

He posted on the events comments 4 hours ago, Peter.

4 hours IS ages when you live in Nottingham, me duck. 

Edited December 2, 20168 yr by Kegsy

16 minutes ago, Kegsy said:

 

4 hours IS ages when you live in Nottingham, me duck. 

I'll go to the top of our stairs!

 

Stand at the edge of the floor, watch and gradually move your feet a little bit how you see the others doing it.  Then away from the venue practice a bit at home with some music on.   Classes are inherently wrong for Northern Soul, it does not work like that, this is about freedom of expression immersed into the joyful music.  So long as you don't try anything crazy you'll be fine and nobody will notice anyway.  Enjoy the journey.

WOW.......

 

Thanks so much all of you for the info... Believe me i HAVE practiced in the Kitchen with my German Shepherd who seems to be a better mover than me.......

I guess i'm just gonna have top bite the bullet and hit the floor.

Thanks 'lovemusic' I'll have a look at Lowton Civic next friday. I used to live a stones throw away in my younger days being originally from Golborne & my missus is from Lowton albeit the Golborne side. I guess theres so much to learn about the scene. The more i listen and read, hear about it the more it draws me in. Just finished a book called 'The Story Of Northern Soul by David Nowell. A truly cracking read. Pity i wasnt around in its hayday (well i was was but to young). . How much money you all must have spent collecting records or just buying the ones you really liked must have been a challenge in itself  What an amazing time you all must have had. 

Right i think its time to hit the kitchen as my feet are taping as i'm listening to my own compilation gathered from many CD's (thank god for eBay). Anyway thanks again for all the help and advice, its much appreciated.

 

Cheers

Ian

 

11 hours ago, flamingemeralds said:

Practise in your kitchen, that's how most people gain their confidence. A dance class will destroy any freedom of expression, which is what the dancing is all about. You may feel all eyes are on you on the dance floor, that's simply NOT the case. It's a very embracing scene. As long as you're there, genuine, and not carrying drinks across the dance floor, nobody gives a flying fiddle about how you dance. You should see me! I dance like I'm wired up to the national grid! Don't waste your time and money on a "dance class". Just practise in the privacy of your own home with You Tube. The more you practise the more confident and comfortable you'll be. Good luck!

Never danced in the kitchen ever but suppose flour could B A good substitute 2 talc ! Go watch & dance ! Simples ! 

Ha ha like it !!

 

2 hours ago, hornet said:

Never danced in the kitchen ever but suppose flour could B A good substitute 2 talc ! Go watch & dance ! Simples ! 

I'm a woman, I know my place !

8 minutes ago, flamingemeralds said:

I'm a woman, I know my place !

Where,s that 

Steve ( cheeky ) 

Ian. Welcome to soul source. Just enjoy your self where ever you go. Love the life you live. Live the life you love

Steve

11 minutes ago, flamingemeralds said:

I'm a woman, I know my place !

New ironing board for Christmas.

1 minute ago, Winsford Soul said:

Ian. Welcome to soul source. Just enjoy your self where ever you go. Love the life you live. Live the life you love

Steve

Being a little poetic tonight Steve.

Very profound - -if not a little poncy Sir. 

Just now, Peter99 said:

Being a little poetic tonight Steve.

Very profound - -if not a little poncy Sir. 

How very dare you. Your beginning to sound like Martyn Pitt . It's one of my favourite records and is actually tattooed on both side's of my neck 

Steve

18 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Where,s that 

Steve ( cheeky ) 

I knew it was a mistake to post that.

17 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

New ironing board for Christmas.

Oh, if you insist, it's a very generous gesture Peter99. Thank you.

Just now, flamingemeralds said:

Oh, if you insist, it's a very generous gesture Peter99. Thank you.

Hahahah!

3 hours ago, Ianc1971 said:

 

WOW.......

 

Thanks so much all of you for the info... Believe me i HAVE practiced in the Kitchen with my German Shepherd who seems to be a better mover than me.......

I guess i'm just gonna have top bite the bullet and hit the floor.

Thanks 'lovemusic' I'll have a look at Lowton Civic next friday. I used to live a stones throw away in my younger days being originally from Golborne & my missus is from Lowton albeit the Golborne side. I guess theres so much to learn about the scene. The more i listen and read, hear about it the more it draws me in. Just finished a book called 'The Story Of Northern Soul by David Nowell. A truly cracking read. Pity i wasnt around in its hayday (well i was was but to young). . How much money you all must have spent collecting records or just buying the ones you really liked must have been a challenge in itself  What an amazing time you all must have had. 

Right i think its time to hit the kitchen as my feet are taping as i'm listening to my own compilation gathered from many CD's (thank god for eBay). Anyway thanks again for all the help and advice, its much appreciated.

 

Cheers

Ian

 

 

Hi Ian

met Dave Nowell at the Casino mid 70's.

we used to call him Immaculate Dave, because that was his favourite phrase. Kept in touch over the years, and when he was writing his book he asked me for some comments on the scene at the time, and about my magazine Love Music Review.

i sent him a long email, and when the book came out, the email was there in its entirety. That was a surprise, a nice one though.

 

47 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

New ironing board for Christmas.

 

29 minutes ago, flamingemeralds said:

Oh, if you insist, it's a very generous gesture Peter99. Thank you.

I'll see your ironing board and raise you a pair of oven gloves.

Just now, Kegsy said:

 

I'll see your ironing board and raise you a pair of oven gloves.

That made me laugh - almost an Absolute Vodka/Key Board moment.

Cheeky!!

9 hours ago, Peter99 said:

New ironing board for Christmas.

I got you this...

On 01/12/2016 at 21:21, Ianc1971 said:

Cheers pal. i understand what you mean but i dont think i'd have the confidence without knowing some steps first.

That`s exactly how it started for all of us Ian!.....Problem with dance lessons is, all the people who`ve had them......(and 99.9% of these people are the younger end of the scene) stand out a mile, you can see they`ve been "Taught" how to dance and, although some are quite good dancers they`ve have missed the point. They look like robots and have no natural SOUL!

 

Get to a night, talk to the people (they won`t bite!) and watch & learn 

 

Welcome to the best underground music scene in the world! 

Hiya Ian, like everyone says, just enjoy. Make your own moves, I do regularly  especially on way to bar across ( I said to bar) dance floor. BEWARE of lessons, I spent ages  and loads of money perfecting the skate. First night out and they play 'twine time'  beware of some on here as you probably noticed, quite mad. Cheers

On 12/4/2016 at 10:10, Steve Lane said:

That`s exactly how it started for all of us Ian!.....Problem with dance lessons is, all the people who`ve had them......(and 99.9% of these people are the younger end of the scene) stand out a mile, you can see they`ve been "Taught" how to dance and, although some are quite good dancers they`ve have missed the point. They look like robots and have no natural SOUL!

 

Get to a night, talk to the people (they won`t bite!) and watch & learn 

 

Welcome to the best underground music scene in the world! 

And who taught then ...

6 minutes ago, Andi said:

And who taught then ...

Is it a quiz question?

Just now, Steve Lane said:

Is it a quiz question?

theM  

I see people out and about and say "they go to <DELETED>'s class."

22 hours ago, Andi said:

theM  

I see people out and about and say "they go to <DELETED>'s class."

You`ve just got to find it inside yourself ....no matter how bambi-like you think you are it`s in there somewhere and only you can find it!

Edited December 9, 20168 yr by Guest

On ‎01‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 21:07, Ianc1971 said:

this is the right board to post this on but i'm gonna throw it out there.

I'm new to the site and this is my first post so be gentle with me. I've recently gotten into Northern Soul in the last few years and totally enjoy the music. I guess the next step for me would be goin to a  NS nite, but personally i'd like to be able to get on the dance floor and not make a complete fool of myself. I've watched tutorials on youtube and was wondering if anyone knew of any dance classes in the North West area (well Wigan really). Alot of people (posts) say its not about being a good dancer but enjoying the music, which i agree.  But i'd at least be able to at least master the basic moves....

 

Any help would be much appreciated

KTF !!

A half pissed baby Giraffe in Lead diving boots could learn a basic NS dance in 20 minutes, it's REALLY not that hard. You don't need Dance lessons unless you've got a thing for Stetsons, cowboy boots and line dancing.

 

 

 

On 12/3/2016 at 06:41, flamingemeralds said:

I got you this...

I am definitely dum and I clean windows. Not very efficiently though.

Pete

18 hours ago, Zed1 said:

A half pissed baby Giraffe in Lead diving boots could learn a basic NS dance in 20 minutes

If i see a Giraffe on the dance floor i know i've got no chance ha ha.

  WELCOME to the scene IAN , you don't need dancing lesson any soulies worth his salt will show you how to dance .Not to worry if you aint good at it as no one will take the piss . just get out their & do you own thing utube is a good place to see styles & footwork .But don't pay anyone that's just a waste of money .KTF

Don't watch any YouTube tutorials whatever you do. Best to go to a Soul Nite and watch. Have a few pints of lager, not too many mind you, and when a good track drags you onto the dancefloor, go where the music takes you. A few years of this and you can take your L Plates off.

What Frankie said, but substitute the lager for proper beer.