This
little animated GIF loop can hardly
conveys the grace and style of this
Old Timer's "Strut".
My partner Hugh Mann is
working on getting us the ability to encode Real Video. When we do I'll put up the
whole clip
Strutting has it's
roots in African American dance
(The Cakewalk)
from the 19th Century via the minstrel shows.
The String Band portion of the parade is
an amazingly vital descendent of the
Minstrel Shows
amalgamated with African rooted West Indian
Carnival,
Polish Polka, military marching bands and
whatever else
that is not tied down.
These "Wenches"
(that is what they are officially called) are
Strutting.
Until 1975 women were not allowed in the
Parade,
but
Men in Women's Clothing
were and are abundant.
Long Pigtails
appear to be another Mummers tradition of obscure origin.
Here's a "wench" you wouldn't have seen in the parade before
25 years ago.
This is an
offsite link that will tell you more about Wenches |
 
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Burnt Cork and Liquor
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