(Play the Youtube Video, it features the theme song, Bandstand Bogie)

     American Bandstand                                               

   We all remember American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark and his sidekick Charlie O’Donnell.  We hurried home from school during the late 1950’s and 60’s to watch the show that aired at 3PM, and cut away for “Who Do You Trust” from 3:30PM until 4PM.

   It was during that half hour my sister, Mariellen, and I danced the Lindy with the refrigerator, humming the latest, Paul Anka, Frankie Valli, or Neil Sedaka song and using a dish towel to fake a partner’s extended arm. We impressed ourselves with twirls and a basic breakaway. The air steps and aerials performed by Bandstand regulars wearing Poodle skirts, Bobbie socks and Saddle shoes were not in our repertoire.

Lindy

At 4PM, we were back sitting on the floor in front of the TV, watching ads for Dentyne and Heines White Vinegar; hoping we did not miss the Rate-a-Record segment when selected audience members attached a number to the beat, lyrics and likability of a new song.

We recently discussed why we chose dancing the Lindy with the refrigerator or a bedroom door rather than each other and concluded; it was to avoid a fight over who would lead.

Oh, the dancing with the fridge, that is the same as singing into a hair brush.

                                                                                         …just saying