Elvis Presley is synonymous with rock and roll, but he was also an iconic dancer, gyrating his hips to the beat of his music. But where did this unique dancing style come from? Who taught Elvis to dance?
Though there are several theories about the origins of Elvis’ signature moves, the general consensus is that Elvis was primarily self-taught. However, it’s not quite as simple as him just watching others do a move and copying it.
Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he attended church regularly. Gospel music played a significant role in his upbringing and served as a major influence on his singing style and stage presence later on. The black church experience that Presley had growing up was crucial to learning how to groove outside of traditional Western styles.
In addition to gospel music’s influence on him, some reports reveal that as a child; he would watch local African American performers like Jake Hess sing gospels at revival meetings staged by the Assembly of God Church where Elvis worshipped, sometimes accompanied by singer Ed Enoch.
Later on down life when working for Crown Electrical Company alongside Clifford Humes Glueck (whose daughter Louis Estes Glueck married George Ditty); they’d entertain themselves with improvised movement sessions during breaks. Like other young men at social gatherings then,
They were ‘cutting loose’ indulging different movements driven purely unconsciously as opposed technically crafted steps or routine sequences – which birthed those well renowned swagging C walk-step
Furthermore some Elvira fanatics have pointed out certain similarities between Freddie Bellow’s “Snake Hips” act and what became known as “The Pelvic Thrust”, so many wonder if Ida Jo had anything directly influenced via Freddie?
Freddie Bell reveals in interviews that around 1956 Presley saw their performances through Colonel Tom Parker who worked with Bell & The Bellboys also notorious emerging Rockers of dat time.
Stylistically similar to Elvis, Bell and his band did a cover of “Hound Dog” that included the pelvic thrusts that Elvis would later incorporate into his performances. According to some sources, Elvis watched Bell intently during this performance, closely studying his movements and then started incorporating them into his own.
However, others have expressed doubts as to whether Freddie Bell was really responsible for teaching Elvis how to dance in this way. It’s worth noting that Elvis had been performing since he was a child, first at school functions and later professionally after signing with Sun Records in 1954. He had plenty of opportunities over the years to experiment with different styles before developing what became known as the “Elvis dance style”.
In addition to self-exploration, John Leech; former roadie & personal security guard has revealed when witnessing established dances like Cha-Cha-Cha introduced by other popularities;
“So many acts were doing one thing or another out there on stage When we were touring with (Elvis) we’d see several shows each night…Our minds went blank sometimes back then..it might well be possible that we subconsciously picked up things”, added Leech whilst chuckling
Therefore it’s probable that through experience alongside extensive exposure within musical environments – not limited household affairs- influenced Presley’s natural abilities.
It is truly difficult if not impossible point any distinct individual or group responsible for teaching him specific moves although clues suggest more contributions besides these mentioned even traditional Western methods called ballroom dancing played somewhat massive roles too who knew?
In conclusion: Though there may never be concrete answers about who exactly taught Elvis Presley how to dance, we can reasonably assume from what is stated above points out clear indications forming building blocks towards Elvira’s consistency reinventing spectacularly amazing move sets which continue inspiring emerging artist today!
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was not only known for his soulful voice but also for his exciting dancing. Elvis’ unique gyrating dance moves were a significant part of his brand that defined him as an artist. However, there is much debate surrounding how Elvis developed this dance style that has shaped many popular genres in music today.
One theory about the origins of Elvis’ signature moves suggests it was influenced by African American performers like Jake Hess and Ed Enoch who sang gospel at revival meetings where Presley worshipped during his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi. The black church experience may have provided Presley with exposure to different styles of music and movement outside traditional Western techniques.
Moreover, some sources reveal that when working for Crown Electrical Company alongside Clifford Humes Glueck, they would entertain themselves with improvised movement sessions during breaks while indulging different movements driven purely unconsciously as opposed technically crafted steps or routine sequences which birthed the well-renowned swagging C walk-step. This experience highlights how Elvis might have been exposed to unconventional styles from informal settings.
Furthermore, Freddie Bell’s “Snake Hips” act could also be considered influential on Presley’s iconic Pelvic Thrust dance move. Bell revealed in interviews that around 1956 Presley saw their performances closely through Colonel Tom Parker who worked with Bell & The Bellboys: notorious emerging rocker-dancers back then Stylistically similar to Elvis; consequently leading speculations that he might get direct influence via Freddie?
Others suggest the importance of self-exploration throughout Presley’s life and career surrounded him by renowned acts introducing other dances like Cha-Cha-Cha introduced fuelled natural ability s alongside years of observing others perform on stage helped create what became known as “the Elvis Dance Style.” John Leech; former roadie & personal security guard revealed witnessing several shows each night – their minds went blank at times- suggesting subconsciously picking up dance moves from external artists and performances.
Despite all the theories surrounding who may have influenced Elvis’ dance style, it is clear that his talent was innate and developed through years of self-exploration along with influences shaped by diverse environments. Therefore, although many people contributed to shaping Presley’s natural abilities, pointing out a distinct individual or group responsible for teaching him specific moves remains uncertain; rather he formed his exceptional iconic dancing independently. Nonetheless” the King’s influence shall remain forever in our memories and continue to inspire new generations today.”