I’m living the single life
This one is a big old cheat. ‘Cause it’s Cameo and I can’t better Cameo. Who can? So, I’ve taken this opportunity to appropriate Cameo…which I’ve been waiting for an excuse to do for a really long time. Basically, this routine is taken straight from their 1985 Top of the Pops performance. If you’re not familiar, look it up right now and sit back and enjoy 4 minutes of pop perfection. My routine is their routine but fleshed out and tidied up for these purposes. And the lockdown connection is clear.
But let’s get back to that performance. ‘Cause, like, WOW.
Old people love TOTP (we really do). This is a much overstated fact and does possess its’ own whiff of MFOR. Many a cliché is wheeled out on music docs about the significance of TOTP for kids growing up in the 70s and 80s. What can I say? It’s all true. And now, thanks to BBC4, we get to re-watch old eps, and that, it turns out, is quite an interesting experience in itself. Because it’s so different to see this programme today! With a context for the artists and the songs and a knowledge of where they sit in the grand pop history of the world. When I was a kid, I watched to get a visual representation of the chart I was obsessed with, and if I loved the song, I was probably gonna be into whatever took place on the screen, abomination or otherwise. But now, as a stupid adult who thinks she knows shit, I see it all much more critically. Shame. BUT, with these grown up eyes, it’s become clear that certain artists are TOTP gold. They just always bring it. And Cameo fall into that category for sure. This performance has everything…great song…great choreo…unbelievable fashion. But what it really comes down to is Larry. I mean, that’s star quality living right there. I want to be able to freestyle like that! I really do. I really can’t.
Warning: Ok, so I watched the video for Single Life in prep for this dance. I thought they might bust out the TOTP routine and I’d get to see more of it…but sadly, that is not the case. I was actually ready to be impressed because the video for Candy is amazing and still looks mega today. Single Life, however, does not. Man, it is so eighties (as in weren’t-pop-videos-terrible-in-the-eighties eighties)…bizarre storyline…weird representations of women…unexplained dance studio subplot…inappropriate full out jazz hands number mid song. Don’t go there. Watch Candy instead.
This routine is easy! Super easy. Like I said, I’ve filled in the gaps and added some bits to make it work for a lone dancer. The difficult thing here is making it look half way as good as they do. If we can accept that’s not happening, it’s very enjoyable. Sure, the freestyling is a teeny bit humiliating, but mine is on film so I’ve taken that one for the team. (And what is going on with my gormless face??? Too much concentration!).
Watch on YouTube here
Disclaimer: These are not virtuoso performances. Just me, in an attic, grappling with an iPhone, creaky floorboards and a bad haircut. The sound is a bit ropey and the elements make numerous uninvited appearances! No left or right instructions – do whatever feels most natural to you…mirror me or flip it and use the same arms and legs as I do. Dancers’ choice. The routines are as simple or as complex as want them to be…and remember, repetition is key. Happy dancing!
For Bernie. Backwards Vogueing superstar.
Previously: Level of Concern. 21 Pilots
Up next: Afternoon Delight. Starland Vocal Band…
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