The Retro Review
The Tranky Doo
Choreographed by Alfred "Pepsi" Bethel in the 1940's, the Tranky Doo is a jazz dance still performed all over the world. Originally danced to "Tuxedo Junction", many people now use "Dipsy Doodle" by Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald, as seen in the legendary Spirit Moves documentary.
Thank you Pepsi Bethel!
Here is a detailed biography of this great choreographer and dancer.
The Charleens are excited to wear sailor costumes and our new singers Camille and Penny, wear glamorous red gowns!
Preview of our Tranky Doo costumes with Camille, Josephine, and Penny!
The Charleens have been working hard on their version of this American classic. Thanks to Sara Sullivan for rearranging the dance to make it work better with our singers!
Our Tranky Doo Dance Captain - Sara Sullivan.
Another costume inspiration was Ginger Rogers in Follow The Fleet from 1936.
Here is Ginger Rogers and a bevy of beauties.
Did you know that Ginger Rogers won a Dallas Charleston dance contest that gave her a vaudeville tour contract and her start in show business? After that she toured with a show called "Ginger Rogers and Her Redheads," until 1929. The Charleens would like to go back in time and see that show and we also want some of these satin pants she's wearing in this final picture with Fred Astaire.
The satin sailor pants are to die for!
Thanks again Alfred "Pepsi" Bethel!