Back to the future: the impact of 70’s Soul Train in Dance
Delve into the vibrant legacy of Soul Train, a groundbreaking television series that defined an era of American entertainment. From its debut in 1971 to its final episode in 2006, Soul Train, under the visionary leadership of Don Cornelius, transcended mere music and dance. It became a cultural beacon, celebrating the soul, funk, and R&B music that shaped generations. Join us as we uncover the origins of Soul Train, its impact on street dance culture, and its enduring influence on fashion and music. Step into the groove and discover why Soul Train remains an unforgettable chapter in television history.
Jermaine Stewart and Sheri dazzled as they danced down the iconic "Soul Train" line in a memorable episode from August 1976. Jermaine Stewart later soared to pop music stardom with his hit single "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off."
The Origins and History of Soul Train
Soul Train emerged during a pivotal time in American history, providing a national stage for Black music and culture. Despite its focus on joy and unity, Soul Train emerged during a challenging period for Black Americans. Launched in 1970 in Chicago, the show debuted amid ongoing struggles from the Great Migration, as Black Americans sought refuge from racial violence and poverty in the South. Despite legal desegregation, its detrimental impacts persisted in Black communities across the nation.
It began airing locally in Chicago before gaining nationwide popularity. Hosted by the charismatic Don Cornelius, after just a year, Soul Train began gaining sponsorships, relocated to Los Angeles, and went nationwide on October 2, 1971. Don Cornelius became one of the first Black men to own and produce a nationally syndicated show. Within a few years, it aired in over 25 markets and kept expanding. Over its span of more than 900 episodes, Soul Train catapulted musicians such as Teena Marie, Curtis Mayfield, and the Jackson Five to fame, and elevated figures like Vivica A. Fox, Jody Watley, and Rosie Perez to new heights of celebrity. The show also featured performances by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye, showcasing the rich tapestry of soul, funk, and R&B music.
Fashion
With its unparalleled popularity — still holding the record as the longest first-run syndicated TV series ever — and a groundbreaking alliance with Johnson Products, known for Afro-Sheen, Soul Train became a revolutionary force. It boldly aired alongside ads proudly featuring natural hairstyles: shining Afros and voluminous curls, defying societal pressures for Black hair to conform. This wasn’t just about showcasing Black music and dance anymore; it was about celebrating Black hair on a national stage.
“Black fashion was also a huge part of the show’s success. When people came on Soul Train, they dressed their best. Rich and bright colors, textured fabrics of thick satin and corduroy, dashikis and sequined blazers with shoulder pads and gleaming gold buttons, sharp angles and soft leathers. The fashion was unique and bright, consisting of bell bottoms, exaggerated collars, and flowy blouses. It was a richness of style that felt like seeing the best of ourselves in a time when Black people on TV were often reduced to minstrels — characters that exaggerate negative stereotypes of Black people — or weren’t included at all.”
In his twenties, while employed at WCIU, Don Cornelius covered social unrest and encountered figures such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to Tony Cornelius in an interview with KCRW, "My father initially just wanted to do a show that presented Blacks in a positive light, because there was nothing like that going on. I mean, the only thing that you saw about African Americans was on the news where they were being arrested or something."
The Soul Train Dance Line: A Cultural Touchstone
What set Soul Train apart was its focus on dance. The Soul Train dancers, known for their stylish moves and soulful grooves, became cultural icons in their own right. The show's signature dance line, where dancers formed two lines facing each other and took turns strutting their stuff down the middle, became a defining feature of the Soul Train experience.
The dance line not only entertained viewers but also inspired a generation of dancers who would go on to shape the evolution of street dance. The Soul Train dance line encouraged innovation and spontaneity. It provided a platform for street dancers to express themselves freely, contributing to the development of dance forms like Locking, Popping, and Waacking. Locking, with pioneer himself, Don Campbellock, and Popping, with pioneer Boogaloo Sam, and Waacking with Tyrone (the bone) Procter and Sharon Hill, gained prominence through exposure on Soul Train. Together with other dancers of their time, they helped establish Waacking as a distinct form within the broader spectrum of street and club dances.
Impact on Street Dance Culture
Soul Train's influence on street dance culture cannot be overstated. By showcasing a diverse array of dance styles and talents, the show fostered a community of dancers who pushed boundaries and defied conventions. The energetic and infectious performances on Soul Train helped popularize funk dances like the Funky Chicken, the Robot, and the Electric Slide, which became staples of street dance culture.
Moreover, Soul Train provided a platform for dancers to experiment and innovate. The freestyle nature of the dance line encouraged dancers to incorporate elements of different styles, leading to the evolution of hybrid dance forms that continue to influence dance communities worldwide.
Legacy and Continued Influence
As Soul Train continued to evolve throughout the 70s and beyond, its impact on music, dance, and fashion endured. The show not only entertained millions but also empowered Black artists and dancers to celebrate their cultural heritage and creativity on a national stage.
Today, the spirit of Soul Train lives on in the vibrant and dynamic street dance scenes around the world. The show's legacy continues to inspire dancers to push boundaries, embrace diversity, and celebrate the power of music and movement to bring people together.
Soul Train was more than just a television show – it was a cultural phenomenon that celebrated the soulful essence of Black music and dance. Through its iconic dance line and eclectic performances, Soul Train left an indelible mark on street dance culture, paving the way for future generations of dancers to innovate, express themselves, and spread joy through the universal language of dance.
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by Hanna Ghadessi
