Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Taxi Dancers

Hankering to do the jitterbug but don't have a partner? Does your significant other have two left feet?

Why not hire yourself a 'taxi dancer'. A long-lost profession that is now enjoying a revival, it turns out many people will pay to be twirled properly on the dance floor.

The term 'taxi dancer' originates from the 1920s and is derived from the fact that a dancer's pay is proportional to the amount of time spent with a patron, like that of a taxi driver. For example, in Berlin between the two world wars, ousted aristocrats and jobless army officers with posh manners began earning money spinning ladies in the city's many dance halls. Apparently, Hollywood director Billy Wilder, allegedly worked as a taxi dancer in Berlin for several months in 1926 whe he was 20 years old.

Everyone enjoys seeing professional dancers. Although the hit show 'So You Think You Can Dance?' mostly demonstrates modern street-style dancing, there are many folks who prefer parquet floors to hammering techno beats.  In some European cities, there is a need for professional dancers for hire. Genteel, fetching and dazzling on their feet, these men and women offer their services on the dance floor for anywhere between an hour and an evening, depending on how much you are willing to pay.

My toes are already tappin...we need some dance wear!



5 comments:

Poke Salad Annie said...

fabulous post! i love that term, 'taxi dancer'. it'd be a good name for an album :) marvelous clothing too.

Keith said...

That's really cool. I had never heard that term before.

Ms. B @ Millie Deel said...

Love that black tulle gown, so glamorous!!

Witchcrafted Life said...

What a delightful idea! I always relish the chance to cut a rug, and wouldn't hesitate to consider hiring a taxi dance if the need ever arose :)

Wishing you a gorgeous Monday & week ahead, honey!
♥ Jessica

Kristen said...

I'd like to hire a taxi dancer, but then I'd have to hire a female taxi dancer to stand in for myself. Wish I could dance! lol

Great blog, btw. :)