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The Daily Insight

What is Northern Soul dancing called?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on March 12, 2026

The music style most associated with northern soul is the heavy, syncopated beat and fast tempo of mid-1960s Motown Records, which was usually combined with soulful vocals. These types of records, which suited the athletic dancing that was prevalent, became known on the scene as "stompers".

Then, how did northern soul dancing start?

The northern soul scene blossomed in the 1970s, when DJs would hunt down rare black American soul 45s and bring them back to play in venues across the north-west of England. The music – inspired heavily by the Motown sound, with fast tempos and a simple 4-4 beat – was a dancer's dream.

Furthermore, who coined the phrase northern soul? Dave Godin

Accordingly, what is the most popular northern soul record?

Northern soul – 10 of the best

  1. Dobie Gray – Out on the Floor.
  2. Yvonne Baker – You Didn't Say a Word.
  3. The Tomangoes – I Really Love You.
  4. The Fascinations – Girls Are Out to Get You.
  5. Mike Post Coalition – Afternoon of the Rhino.
  6. Terry Callier – Ordinary Joe.
  7. Tobi Legend – Time Will Pass You By.
  8. Wayne Gibson – Under My Thumb.

What is the rarest northern soul record?

The northern soul 45, Do I Love You, by Frank Wilson, is now owned by 38-year-old Lee Jeffries. The sale, brokered by Melton rare vinyl dealer and auctioneer John Manship, was for an an undisclosed sum - but it was revealed that the record went for more than it did when it was last sold, 11 years ago.

Related Question Answers

When did northern soul became popular?

Northern soul reached the peak of its popularity in the mid- to late-1970s. At this time, there were soul clubs in virtually every major town in the Midlands and the North of England.

Why do northern soul dancers use talc?

Simply called Northern Soul, it recreates the atmosphere of soul clubs where rare records were spun, and dancers scattered talc to make moves easier. Everyone wanted the rarest records, to be the best dancer, the best DJ.

What does northern soul Keep the faith mean?

To promote events and demonstrate their love for this re-appropriated sound, northern soul fans used the phrase “Keep the faith” and adopted a clenched fist logo which first appeared in the Black Power movement in the US.

How do you dress for northern soul?

The men wear brogues, baggy trousers, vests and Fred Perrys, while the women are in wide skirts and flat shoes.

What was the last song played at Wigan Casino?

Do I Love You

Why did Wigan Casino close?

On December 6th. 1981 the local Council closed the Wigan Casino. A few months later, in a freak accident, the Casino caught fire and was razed to the ground.

What year is northern soul set?

Set in Lancashire in 1974, the film follows Matt and John as they leave behind a humdrum life of youth clubs and factory lines to chase a dream of travelling to the US, unearthing unknown soul 45s and establishing themselves as top DJ's on the Northern soul music scene.

Who is the northern soul dancing girl?

Levanna Mclean

Who was in Motown Records?

Notable Motown artists have included Mary Wells, the Supremes, Four Tops, the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Boyz II Men, Commodores, Lionel Richie, Dazz Band, Brian McKnight, 98 Degrees, and Erykah Badu. Motown Records slogan: "The Sound of Young America".

Is there a Northern Soul radio station?

Northern Soul Floorfillers Show - 105.9 Bishop FM.

What is a cover up record?

n. A recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded or made popular by another. Also called cover song.

What influenced Motown?

From jazz and rock, country to rhythm and blues—even classical music, all these sounds took from or were influenced by Black artistry. When blues was invented, the blueprint for music-making was never the same. Motown defined pop culture in America during their heyday and Black creators continue to do the same today.

Who sang out on the floor?

Dobie Gray

Where was Northern Soul filmed?

Set in 1974 and shot on location in Blackburn, Burnley, Bury and Bolton, Northern Soul is Elaine Constantine's directorial film debut and comprises a British cast who share her fond remembrance.

Is Frankie Valli northern soul?

The song is considered a "Northern Soul" classic due to its heavy bass production and strong beat, as well as the fact that it did not succeed commercially.

What does rare soul mean?

Power definitions of Rare soul

synonyms. rare. not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness. soul. the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life.

Where was the Wigan Casino?

The Wigan Casino was a nightclub in Wigan, England. Operating between 1973 and 1981, it became known as a primary venue for Northern soul music.