Dance Tunes - #6 - Hokey Pokey

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Now we're going to go back in time for the next Dance Tune. The "Hokey Pokey", which is known as the "Hokey Cokey" in the United Kiingdom and the Caribbean, dates back to 1826. A variant of today's dance, it originated as a British folk dance. There have been several variants in lyrics since then; and in modern times, the "Hokey Pokey" has been covered by several artists and groups. Some early versions of this song show a resemblance to the modern song "Looby Loo"; and the songs have been described as having a common origin. In modern times the "Hokey Pokey" is a participation dance and a campfire song. Kids and adults alike have memories of this fun song and dance. In 1842 a portion of the lyrics were: "Fal de ral la, Fal de ral la Hinkumbooby, round about. Right hands in, and left hands out..." Taken from Robert Chamber's Popular Rhymes of Scotland, 1842. The video below features the 1953 recording played by Ray Anthony and sung by Jo Ann Greer and the Skyliners. The dance is performed by the Mr. Dickie Bows Dance School in 2018. Photo Credit: Pixabay Video Credit: YouTube