Go-go dancing

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 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".

Evolution of the term

The phrase Go-Go was adopted by clubs of lesser reputation until it developed seedy connotations. Abandoned by most regular clubs it was appropriated by burlesque and nude dancing establishments, which became known as Go-Go bars and the women working there known as Go-Go dancers. Go-Go dancers that perform at night clubs or rave dances are also called performance art dancers.

See also

• Mod (lifestyle)
• Discothèque

External link

• "Go-Go Dancers" in Dancer Magazine
• 60s Go-Go footage from Something Weird Video