Soul Train dancers still have it. Photos by Iris Schneider.
Especially on a day like today, we need to be reminded of the joy in the world. So I feel doubly fortunate to have stumbled upon the 3rd annual Soul Train reunion in the park at LACMA yesterday. Having just heard some wonderful Brazilian jazz at LACMA's amphitheater off 6th Street, we were wandering and came upon a joyful noise as dancers from the original Soul Train TV show formed two lines and showed off their moves to the theme song from the show, which aired from the 70's through the 90's
Eighty of Soul Train's original and featured dancers were there for the party, organized by Juliette Hagerman, one of the show's featured dancers from 1984-93. For most who came to remember and reconnect with the old days, it looked like time had stood still. They still had the moves.
It's so important to connect with that joy and remember the healing power of music and dance. We need it now more than ever.
Previously on LA Observed:
Oct. 2, 1971: Soul Train debuts from LA (video)
How about some Soul Train dancers (video) *
Don Cornelius, 'Soul Train' creator was 75