While syndicated sensations like “Soul Train,” “Dance Fever,” and “American Bandstand” captured national audiences, the local dance TV shows of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s held a unique charm and cultural significance. These programs, deeply rooted in their communities, offered a platform for local talent and reflected the distinct energy of their regions. Beyond the polished veneer of nationally broadcasted shows, these local gems pulsed with an authentic, homegrown spirit that resonated deeply with viewers. Let’s take a trip back in time to explore some of these vibrant local dance scenes, uncovering the stories behind shows like “The Moon Man Space Connection,” “Dance Time,” and “Dance To The Music,” and understanding their lasting impact.
The Moon Man Space Connection: A Cosmic Dance Party
Emerging from the Washington D.C. or Philadelphia area, “The Moon Man Space Connection” (MMSC) lit up television screens from approximately 1975 to 1989, running parallel to the iconic “Soul Train.” Setting itself apart with a wildly imaginative concept, MMSC transported viewers to a makeshift spacecraft studio, where the larger-than-life host, known only as the Moon Man, reigned supreme from his elevated perch. Legend has it that the Moon Man’s stature was so grand, he remained seated in his spacecraft throughout the entire show. Adding to the cosmic atmosphere was his co-host, Miss Venus (or Miss Saturn?), a slender figure adorned in a quintessential 70s spacesuit – think silver boots, hot pants, top, cape, and a headpiece complete with antennae, reminiscent of funk artist Betty Davis or the group LaBelle’s iconic spacesuit era.
The dance floor of “The Moon Man Space Connection” was a hub of kinetic energy. Dancers engaged in freestyle couples dancing to the rhythm of national, regional, and local hits, all curated and announced by the booming voice of the Moon Man. What truly distinguished MMSC from shows like “Soul Train” were the synchronized dance routines performed by the show’s dedicated dancers. The “Moon Man Walk” became a signature, a captivating display of coordinated movement that concluded with dancers turning to repeat the sequence, creating an infectious loop of dance fever.
Miss Venus/Miss Saturn played the role of earthly emissary, descending to the studio floor to interact with the “earthlings” – the dancers themselves. These segments provided glimpses into the personalities and styles of the dancers through brief interviews conducted before the music resumed. Adding another layer of local flavor, MMSC showcased musical guests who were strictly regional or local artists. These were talents on the cusp, artists who might not have broken through to national fame but found their moment in the spotlight on MMSC, lip-synching their latest singles for an enthusiastic audience.
The reach of “The Moon Man Space Connection” extended beyond its local origins. From approximately 1975 to 1978, the show was broadcast on the Armed Forces Network in West Germany. This unlikely international exposure came about because MMSC was a more budget-friendly option for AFN compared to the pricier rights for “Soul Train,” bringing a taste of American local dance culture to overseas viewers. In a later, albeit short-lived chapter, MMSC joined the National College Television (NCTV) network in 1989-90, a satellite network aiming to provide programming by and for college students. Despite suffering from poor audio quality on NCTV and the network’s ultimate financial struggles, “The Moon Man Space Connection” briefly found a new, wider audience before disappearing from the airwaves. The question lingers: could this unique show still be broadcasting on a local or regional network somewhere?
Dance Time: San Diego’s Integrated Dance Floor
“Dance Time,” broadcasting from San Diego on KFMB-TV, the local CBS affiliate, from roughly 1965 to 1967, offered a different slice of local dance show culture. A notable aspect of “Dance Time” was its integrated audience, a reflection of a changing social landscape, with dancers from diverse backgrounds sharing the studio floor. Hosted by a member of the KFMB-TV staff, “Dance Time” provided a platform for local youth to express themselves through dance.
A quirky segment of “Dance Time” allowed dancers to lip-synch to a song if they knew the lyrics, sometimes with amusing results. While some dancers enthusiastically embraced the performance aspect, one memorable instance involved a dancer who remained completely static, hands in pockets, delivering a masterclass in televised boredom while lip-synching. Musical guests on “Dance Time,” while not always current chart-toppers, brought a touch of star power to the local scene. Performances included Mary Wells, who revisited her classic hit “My Guy,” albeit a few years past its peak. However, “Dance Time” also captured a moment of local triumph when The Cascades, a San Diego group, appeared to perform their hit song “Rhythm of The Rain,” coinciding with its rise on the national charts. This was a true hometown success story, even if The Cascades ultimately became known as a one-hit wonder.
The energy of “Dance Time” reached fever pitch when students from Lincoln High School, hailing from the Valencia Park/Logan Heights area, graced the dance floor. Their dynamic moves and mastery of the latest dance steps were electrifying, so much so that they seemed to “tear the wax off the studio floor.” Among these Lincoln High dancers were twins Loyce & Joyce Young, who became local sensations. One instance of Joyce Young’s captivating presence saw the camera remain fixed on her, capturing her dazzling repertoire of dance moves and solidifying her local star status.
Dance To The Music: Raw Energy from San Antonio
“Dance To The Music” (DTTM), originating from San Antonio from 1975 onwards, presented a starkly contrasting aesthetic: a black-and-white broadcast in the era of color television, filmed in a small studio where dancers were packed together. What “Dance To The Music” lacked in production polish, it more than compensated for in raw, youthful energy. Crucially, DTTM was a space exclusively for young people – no adults were present on set. The host was a Black teenager, also a dancer on the show, sporting a signature afro. His hosting duties were integrated into his dance participation; he would dash to the platform to announce the next song and then seamlessly rejoin his dance partner as the music began. “Dance To The Music” featured no musical guests and its low-budget production was undeniable. Yet, this rawness was part of its appeal, creating an authentic and fun viewing experience.
The show’s name, “Dance To The Music,” was directly inspired by the iconic Sly & The Family Stone song of the same name, perfectly capturing the show’s spirit. “Dance To The Music” exemplified the vibrant, unpolished energy of local dance TV, prioritizing youthful expression and the sheer joy of dance above all else.
The Enduring Legacy of Local Dance Fever
These local dance shows, though less known than their syndicated counterparts like “Dance Fever,” were vital cultural touchstones for their communities. They provided a platform for local music, dance talent, and youth culture to flourish. These shows fostered a sense of community pride and offered viewers a relatable and authentic representation of themselves and their local scene. While “Dance Fever” and “American Bandstand” hold a place in TV history, it’s important to remember and celebrate the unique energy and impact of these local dance programs that truly captured the dance fever of their time and place. They remind us that the heart of dance television lies not just in polished production, but in the raw passion and community spirit found on local dance floors.
