‘Wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-lop-bam-boom’
Dancing is a joy that lifts the spirit and there’s plenty of opportunities around the Coromandel Peninsula to learn a dance, meet people and have fun. Pamela Ferla starts this dance series with Rock ‘n Roll.
Grab your ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and get ready to ‘Rock Around the Clock’ to the irresistible beat of Rock ‘n Roll!
With hot music that’s endured since the 1950s, those gorgeous skirts and a thriving Rock ‘n Roll club in most towns, no wonder this dance phenomenon has recently grown in popularity.
Of course, Whangamatā’s iconic Beach Hop has played a big part in this resurgence, and it was the local club, Coastal Rockers, that was the catalyst for this annual event. The first Whangamatā Beach Hop was held in April 2000 to coincide with the Coastal Rockers’ birthday hop.
Kerry Campbell is a founding member of the Coastal Rockers which started 30 years ago in the town, also known for its surf. Kerry says it is a good social club.
“In recent years, our numbers have grown to about seventy. We meet on Tuesday nights at Whangamatā Club. It’s a good venue for us and we appreciate the club’s support.”
Club member Pete Preston spends much of his week rockin’ at clubs around the Peninsula – Tuesdays at Whangamatā, Waihi Beach on Wednesdays, Tauranga or The Mount on Thursdays and Saturdays wherever the best band is playing. Often there is a band at the Whangamatā RSA to enjoy on Sundays. All that practice makes him a good dancer. He reckons it’s a good way to keep fit “… and it’s much better than staying at home”.
There’s a lot of toe-tapping and twirling and even tummy tickles and cuddles! It’s important to remember that the man leads (“And that’s a nice change!” quips one of the guys).
The rock ‘n roll phenomenon emerged in the 1950s, with bands like Bill Haley and the Comets belting out ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and ‘See Ya Later Alligator’. Bill Haley’s band featured in the movie Blackboard Jungle, his music capturing the hearts of teenagers and labelled “devil’s music” by some parents and churches. Then there was the sizzling energy of Little Richard’s ‘Tutti Fruiti’, with that memorable intro, ‘Wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-lop-bam-boom’, which was, apparently, a drum pattern in Little Richard’s head.
Chuck Berry is remembered for ‘Maybellene’ and I defy anyone to sit still when listening to Jerry Lee Lewis’ ‘Great Balls of Fire’. These are just a few of the performers who rose to fame in the wave of Rock ‘n Roll mania. Of course, icons like Elvis kept the passion burning for decades with number one hits such as ‘Jailhouse Rock’.
Whangamatā Coastal Rockers meet on Tuesday nights at Whangamatā Club in Port Road, with lessons leading up to the Beach Hop, which is 20 – 24 March this year. Contact: coastalrockerssecretary@gmail.com
Other clubs on the peninsula include Thames Valley Rockers who meet Tuesday nights at Thames Bowling Club; contact: valleyrockersthames@gmail.com
So if you want a fun night of exercise, great music and new friends, check out your nearest Rock ‘n Roll club. You’ll probably head home with sore feet and the beat of your favourite song lingering in your head.
See Ya Later Alligator!
Words by Pamela Ferla
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