Dances From Within
Essay 4 of 5
Dancing... the perfect expression to rockabilly music. It swings, it’s got that beat, and it’s timeless. Rockabilly started in the 1950s in the United States, but today has a cult following around the world. Young people today are still discovering the timeless music of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent and others whose music sounds just as fresh today as it did when it was recorded almost 50 years ago.
Tight leather pants, shiny black boots, swinging a beer in one hand...the stance. With rockabilly music comes a certain look. Rockabilly was the beginning of an era, an era of rebellion. With the music comes a look, a dangerous look to complement its rebel image. Tight pants, boots, switchblades, leather jackets, greased up hair. All the classic rockabilly artists and fans of the 50s had it, and kids who identify with rockabilly culture today have it.
The stare...Although the eyes are hidden behind dark sunglasses, it’s not difficult to see the expression in his face. Along with the rebellious image comes a certain attitude, a “don’t give me any crap” attitude...all in the stare, perfectly complimenting the sideburns and sculpted pompadour.
“Tokyo Rockabilly Club...Rock N’ Rollers” Rockabilly...it’s a look and image any culture can identify with. American cultural icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean had the look, the look that impressed kids and scared adults. Even people unfamiliar with the rockabilly scene associate this look with rock and roll rebellion. The tight pants, black boots and greased up hair. There’s been a few changes to the music, some of it has evolved, but the look has stayed the same.
Skulls, crossbones and flames....immortalized in ink. Within this scene, Asian lettering, tribal symbols, Celtic bands and other trends give way to broken hearts, dice and pinup girls (not the kinds of tatts that will impress mom and dad!) Tattoos were originally meant as a sign of individuality and rebellion, rockabilly is practically the only scene that’s keeping up the tradition.
New York City, June, 2002.
This essay (c) 2002 Michael Neuberger. All rights reserved. It may not be reproduced in any way without permission by the author. Printed with permission.
Essay 4 of 5
