The 1960s was an era of revolutionary change, and this spirit extended to the dance floor. Across ballrooms, arenas, and even living rooms, a vibrant collection of dances took center stage, fueled by the infectious rhythms of Motown, Soul, and Funk. While dances like the Boogaloo were capturing hearts with their funky fusion of styles, there was another dance that was stirring up a storm: The Mashed Potato Dance.
This wasn’t just another step; it was a full-blown craze. Originating in the early 60s, the Mashed Potato quickly became a staple at parties and on television dance shows, embodying the youthful exuberance and carefree spirit of the decade. But where did this quirky dance come from, and why did it become such a sensation?
To truly understand the Mashed Potato, we need to dig into the rich tapestry of 1960s dance culture. This decade saw a whirlwind of dances emerge, each with its own unique flavor and set of moves. Many of these dances were solo, expressive, and encouraged improvisation, reflecting a shift away from the more structured partner dances of previous generations.
Think about the Boogaloo, for instance. As explored in detail previously, the Boogaloo was a melting pot of dance styles, incorporating elements from earlier dances and blending them with the syncopated rhythms of Soul and Latin music. It encouraged loose, funky movements and a sense of playful improvisation. Similarly, dances like the Twist, the Frug, the Monkey, and the Swim all contributed to this dynamic dance landscape.
Teenage girls demonstrating popular dance steps from the 1960s, including the Mashed Potato, on a black and white television program.
The Mashed Potato, in this context, was another gem in the crown of 1960s dance crazes. While its exact origins are debated, it’s generally attributed to black communities in the early 1960s. The dance gained mainstream popularity around 1962, propelled by musicians and television.
The moves themselves are fairly straightforward, which was part of its broad appeal. Imagine you’re mashing potatoes – that’s essentially the core movement. You move your feet in a twisting or churning motion, as if you are squashing potatoes under your heels. Arms could be held in various positions, often bent at the elbows and moving loosely with the rhythm. The beauty of the Mashed Potato lay in its simplicity and adaptability. You could do it alone, in groups, and put your own spin on it.
Musically, the Mashed Potato thrived on the same energetic sounds that fueled other 1960s dances. Soul and R&B hits provided the perfect backdrop, with their driving beats and infectious grooves. Think of artists like James Brown, often called the “Godfather of Soul,” whose music was practically designed for dancing. While Brown was famously associated with the Boogaloo and later Funk, his percussive and rhythm-heavy tracks were equally suited for getting down with the Mashed Potato.
Other artists who provided the soundtrack for the Mashed Potato era included Motown legends like The Temptations and The Supremes, with their smooth moves and catchy tunes. Soul singers like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, though not exclusively Mashed Potato artists, contributed to the overall vibe of the time with their danceable hits.
Television played a crucial role in popularizing the Mashed Potato and other dances of the decade. Shows like American Bandstand and Hullabaloo showcased the latest dance steps, bringing them directly into homes across America. These programs featured teenagers demonstrating the dances, making them accessible and aspirational for viewers. The visual medium of television was perfect for spreading dance crazes, as people could see exactly how to perform the steps and then try them out themselves.
The 1960s dances, including the Mashed Potato, drew inspiration from earlier Black dance forms. Elements of shimmies, shakes, and rhythmic body movements that had been part of Black dance traditions for generations found new expression in these popular crazes. This lineage is important to acknowledge, as it highlights the deep cultural roots of these dances.
While the Mashed Potato’s initial craze period was relatively short-lived, like many of the 1960s dance fads, its impact is undeniable. It remains a recognizable symbol of the era, conjuring up images of youthful energy, social gatherings, and the groundbreaking music that defined a generation. It paved the way for subsequent dance styles and contributed to the ongoing evolution of social dance.
So, next time you hear a classic Soul or Motown track, why not try getting down with the Mashed Potato? It’s a fun, easy, and historically significant dance that captures the spirit of the swinging sixties. You might just find yourself mashing your way into a groovy state of mind!
