August 5
Born Today:
Poppin’ Pete
Dancer Poppin’ Pete, born Timothy Earl Solomon in 1961, was the brother of “Boogaloo Sam” Solomon, the creator of the Hip-Hop dance style called popping. Poppin’ Pete became famous for his embrace of the style and he joined the Electric Boogaloos in 1978. He worked with Michael Jackson in the video for Beat It (1982) and has danced with and choreographed for other artists such as Janet Jackson (1966-) and Justin Timberlake.
Also born today: Co-founder of the National Ballet School of Canada, Nancy Oliphant (1918-2004). Indian classical dancer, choreographer, author, columnist, and analyst of foreign and public policy, Baisali Mohanty (1994-).
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Dance Event: On this day in 1957, American Bandstand, debuted it’s popular format on TV with host Dick Clark, who would shape the show until 1989. American Bandstand played popular songs and featured young people performing the popular dances of the era, helping to spread new dances and music all over the country.