What’s a classic song from the early 1960s that still gets you moving? We asked many people, the majority couldn’t help but mention “Nitty Gritty.” It’s interesting that they admitted that they couldn’t forget a televised performance of the dance associated with the song, recorded for a January 1964 episode of The Judy Garland Show.
In 1964, young people were grooving to a dance called the “Nitty Gritty.” This performance is like a video time capsule, giving us a glimpse of how dance styles have evolved since the sixties. Bobby Banas takes center stage as the lead performer, and as if his high-energy moves could light up thousands of homes with their intensity.
This performance captures a moment in time just before the hippie movement, free love, counterculture, and psychedelic rock would revolutionize music forever. It’s a snapshot of an era on the brink of massive change, where music and dance were about to take on new meanings.
Even in black and white, this video radiates energy and excitement, far from boring the audience. Since it was uploaded on YouTube in late 2012, it has garnered nearly 19M views and 128K likes.
Scrolling to its comments, it’s clear to see compliments from viewers around the world. One commented, “How many times have I watched this, telling myself I’ll watch the other dancers to compare their moves, and it just never happens? Can’t take your eyes off him.”
They thumbed up to the girl dancer for keeping up with Bobby Banas and in high heels as well.
The young man featured in the video has been dubbed by some as the “best 60s dancer boy ever.” For some, it might not be true but it’s undeniable that his passion for dancing shines through, and his talent is evident in every step.