| The following column appeared in The River Reporter on August 20, 1998. |
By Bert S. Feldman
The Recusant Reporter
Thursday, August 20, 1998
As the old saying goes, what goes around, comes around. And, according to Newsweek and other periodicals, this is coming true, right now!
As we head into the homestretch for the second millennium, a certain music has returned to our clubs and dance floors. It’s swing time at the fanciest nightclubs, with real melodies and lyrics, the sounds of the big bands of the ’50s coming back to life, and assorted instruments, not just a guitar and a percussion section to beat out the rhythm, making beautiful music.
Audiologists have been saying for years now that they’ve only made hearing aids for elderly people, but recently they’ve been fitting them for young people in their 20s. Now the decibels can lower their boom and restore hearing to our young folks.
It’s a wonderful world; our national economy is busting out all over, and real dancing to real music is the "in" thing to do. No more couples standing six feet apart and performing some sort of spastic disorder. Now the guy can hold his date close to him and whisper sweet nothings in her ear.
Imagine!
And, the report continues, from Boston to Austin people have rediscovered what they’re calling "touch dancing." Now she can actually hear whatever he may be whispering.
Dance instructors across the land are teaching such arcane dance steps as Jitterbug and the Lindy Hop. Why, if this renaissance doesn’t slow down, they may even teach the foxtrot!
And the clothing worn by these new discoverers of swing are going back to the styles of the ’50s. Shoe stores are reporting a run on saddle shoes, and their beaux are wearing suits and ties. No report as yet on crinoline skirts, but betcha they’ll be along shortly.
And, miracle of miracles, the reports show that drugs are being used less and less. Fashion photographer Matthew Ralston is quoted as saying, "Heroin chic’s over and the Gothic thing is starting to wane. Now it’s cool to have fun and not feel corny about it."
Sure, it’s a fad, but maybe it will catch on. Instead of shouting obscenities in lieu of lyrics that speak of love, dancers can whisper along with the lyrics of composers such as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern.
Music stores are reporting large sales of recordings by such band leaders as Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Louis Prima.
Hopefully, the trend to skirts and suits will linger on. I have always been amused by kids today who vehemently declare against the idea of uniform dress in schools, while every single one of them, boys and girls, wear denim jeans and baseball caps with the sun visor turned to the back. It’s just another way to bug your parents, and it has been going on for centuries. Probably kids in ancient Rome bugged mater and pater by writing naughty words — on their togas.
Well, I’m fascinated by this turnaround. Just turn back the hands of time and see who comes.
