Go-Go dancing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Go-Go dancers were originally 1960s-era miniskirted clubgoers, dancing at clubs such as the Whisky a Go Go (one of the first to have dancers in elevated cages), wearing go-go boots.
An example is Goldie Hawn's character on the popular Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In TV show. Actor/singer/dancer Timmy Everett (1939-1977), famed for a single film and stage role (Tommy in The Music Man), attempted a career comeback in 1967 by promoting himself as the first "go-go boy."
The etymology of Go-Go may be the noun go, one of whose meanings is "power of going, energy, vigor". Or it may come from the names of the nightclubs, which ultimately come from the French à gogo, meaning "in abundance, galore".
[edit] Evolution
The phrase Go-Go was adopted by clubs of lesser reputation until it was abandoned by a majority of clubs and appropriated by burlesque and striptease establishments, which in turn became known as Go-Go bars and the women working there known as Go-Go dancers.
Many gay clubs had male go-go dancers (called go-go boys) during the period 1965-1968. After that, few gay clubs had go-go dancers until 1988, when go-go dancing again became fashionable (and has remained so ever since).
Go-Go dancers that perform at night clubs, special parties, circuit parties or rave dances in colorful bright costumes (which may include battery operated lights), with fire sticks, or with a snake are called performance art dancers.
Go-Go dancing has made a comeback in recent years, particularly on the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii. Models such as Christine Mendoza, Sasha Singleton and Jeri Lee have made Go-Go appearances in cities that host import car shows. In Honolulu, Go-Go dancing is in full swing at various nightclubs like O Lounge, Venus Nightclub and Fashion 45. Club 939, a strip club, turns into a Go-Go only night on Sundays. As it was in the beginning, Go-Go dancers do not strip, but sometimes receive tips.
