THE HOKEY POKEY
“You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out, you put your left foot in and you shake it all about, do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around – that’s what’s all about!” I’m not sure what body part the Hokey Pokey dance is is supposed to start with, but it covered just about every body part… including shaking your noggin’ like an imbecile.
Little kids love the Hokey Pokey… they even lured some of us older kids to do the Hokey Pokey at the skating rink, putting your left foot in with a heavy roles skate attached and shaking it like a lunatic took some serious balance. Probably half the show off skaters ended up on the seat of their pants… I know one for sure.
Before long we were a little too cool to be doing the Hokey Pokey, we were older, mature, slightly distinguished. Yes sir, we’d graduated from the Hokey Pokey and Duck, Duck, Goose. It was time to be grown, mature, time to show the world we’d come of age… We’d earned our way to be inducted into the world of the L.A. Shuffle.
Steps forward, (the exact count I couldn’t begin to remember) another so many steps to the right, leaning with your upper body before following with the lower half for effect, then the ever so clever clap, in time with all the other cool participants. Even the bad student could remember the lyrics to that song, and we shouted along with the choirs, “Do the Shuffle!”
Days rolled into years, tennis shoes were swapped for dress shoes, Levi’s 501’s for pleated dress pants, fine long sleeved shirts, and matching belts and ties added for effect. The Hokey Pokey rolled into Rock-N’-Pop, disco balls into strobe lights and curfews into all-nighters.
Funny how our perspectives change, and not always for the better. I remember thinking as a child the silly things like the Hokey Pokey were for children. Then somehow I believed that I looked mature, cool, as I moved my body to more refined tunes.
To put away childish things, as Paul wrote about, we miss the point sometimes. It’s not the form of dance, be it the Hokey Pokey, the Shuffle, the Twist, the Swim, or the dance of the King of Israel. It’s the understanding of the motivation behind the moves.
If it’s to teach children their body parts and to help form coordination, I say good deal. If it’s to move in joy and celebration and acknowledgment and worship to and for God, even better.
Dressing in slick duds and hairstyles because we’re older and can, doesn’t make us any wiser than the pre-schoolers doing the Hokey Pokey… and not nearly as cute.
Putting away childish ways is about how we think, and how we think will show in what we do… It shows in my wife…
She wants to take ballroom dance lessons… the Hokey Pokey isn’t looking so bad after all…
Sunday, June 29, 2014 @ 6:42 pm
I think learning ballroom dancing would be a blast- and I’m not very coordinated. Putting away childish things, that’s something I need to work on to. Especially selfishness ajd the like. Great words, Floyd.
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:02 pm
Thanks, Chuck, you aren’t alone, brother! I’m not sure my two left feet are going to be able to pick it up!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 2:23 am
I like the “dancing” of the late ’60s. I call it free form since there was no method to the madness. Other than weddings that has probably been the last of the dancing. We didn’t even dance at our wedding. I am 6’5″ and Jo is (at best0 5’3″. not a good dance combo. not even ballroom dancing can or will save this two left-footed old man.
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
I’m with you on the casual moving around. I like it when the test can’t be failed! I’m with you on the two left feet, Bill. I didn’t know you beat me to the punch with the clever line! Thanks, Bill.
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 2:23 am
Oh yeah…you da man! 🙂
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
Awe shucks…
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 8:18 am
I remember shakin’ it all around at the skating rink on many a Friday night back in the day. 😉 But it was one of the few moves that was officially approved. I heard a lot of sermons growing up about how to use our bodies. I even listened to a few.
Hope ballroom dancing will be fun! I don’t think I could ever talk Jeff into that one. Your wife has power. 🙂
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:08 pm
Those skate nights were so fun… If I crashed now the way I did then, I don’t think I’d be able to get up! I too heard a lot of sermons on that subject… I heard, just didn’t listen…
And I’m not giving up the fight just yet! Don’t throw the towel in for me, Lisa!!!
Thanks, Lisa!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 10:36 am
I’m not a dancer in any form, be it the hokey pokey or ballroom. So I feel for you (unless you like to dance).
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
I hear you, Thomas. I don’t mind the casual type of dancing that is a must at weddings, well, after I get started anyway. It’s always so awkward at the beginning.
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 12:46 pm
I’m with Lisa. I have tried to get Ace to take up any kind of dancing with me. I would love to see a video of the actual event on your blog.
And then I think your wife should write a book on how to get husbands to take ballroom dancing, you will be a millionaire. Enjoy brother, it for a good cause.
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
You have a great idea, Betty! Maybe ballroom dancing won’t be so bad after all, if she writes that best selling book I mean! You did give me an idea for a post, I have a picture of us dancing at our niece’s wedding in St. Louis last year… cogs are turning. Thanks, Betty!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 4:51 pm
The Hokey Pokey was always a fun dance and almost a game that we enjoyed playing. Thanks for the reminder and another great post!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 6:16 pm
You’re welcome, Hazel. And thanks to you too, sister!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 7:39 pm
Oh my gosh. You are dating us, Floyd! The Hokey-Pokey on rollerskates. I actually did that, and am living to tell the story. Don’t get me started on dancing. I can’t get Mike to dance with me. I’ve tried everything. At wedding receptions, he steps on my feet and then bumps into other couples, and loudly admonishes, “Lynni, stop pushing!” Or there was the time, at my boss’s retirement dinner at a disco-restaurant, where I kept needling Mike to dance with me after dinner. It was one of those Donna Summer songs, and Mike said, “I’ll get up on the dance floor; but I think this is one of those songs that starts out slow and ends up fast, and if it does, I am sitting down.” It did, and HE did! And there I was left unwittingly dancing solo. Grrrr…… Personally, I think it’s a bit childish of him not to try :-), but in the end, it matters not. I think part of maturity lies in picking your battles (or NOT), right? And it doesn’t take much for me to realize that I married the nicest, most supportive man on the planet. Fred he is not, but frankly, I’m no Ginger, so it all works out! Very fun post, Floyd, and always a nice spiritual point! Tx for sharing!
Blessings,
Lynn
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 5:47 pm
Hey, at least Mike tries! The last time Diane and I danced was in your hometown last year. Weddings are places where you just don’t have a choice but to dance… even if it’s ugly! Yeah, I did date myself. I just can’t believe we ever did that goofy dance… I guess I’ve done worse! Thanks, Lynn!
Monday, June 30, 2014 @ 8:44 pm
I have absolutely no rhythm – and was never a good dancer. I don’t know if you’ve ever watched Seinfeld – but my sons tell me I look like Elaine dancing. Suffice it to say – AWKWARD!!
However, I am intrigued about ballroom dancing. Think my hubby and I could join you and your wife. Think we’ll be on “Dancing with the Stars” anytime soon???
Now, the Hokey Pokey I can handle – especially “put your whole self in, put your whole self out…” I’m pretty good at shaking it all about!
And honestly, as I put away childish things, I hope I never lose my ability to be childlike.
GOD BLESS!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 5:49 pm
Good call, Sharon. To be able to laugh like a kid, even with knowing the realities of this life, is a gift from our Father… And no, I don’t think any of us will be hitting Dancing With The Stars any time soon! Thanks for your honesty, Sharon, I think you speak for most of us!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 8:20 am
I get so self-conscious about dancing! I’ve done it a couple times at weddings, but I’ve danced before the Lord many, many times. No anxiety there–at least not anymore. 🙂 My wife and I have talked for years about taking some sort of dancing lessons. We’ll just have to see! Thanks Floyd.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
That’s funny that a musician like you would be self conscious about dancing? I’d be self conscious about playing in front of crowds, but I guess it’s all what we get used to and are called to. I can almost see you with a rose in your teeth as you do the Mamba! Thanks, Jason.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 3:09 pm
Don’t miss out on those ballroom lessons, floyd, they’re cooler than you think. I sometimes catch myself thinking how cool it would be to be a kid again. Then I realise the people I look up to and enjoy most in my life are those who’ve figured a way to stay a kid even whilst being grown. To be childlike without being childish. I think it’s my new mission in life.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
“To be childlike without being childish.” Awesome statement and mission, Micah! You know, I think that’s something I’ll be working on too! Good call, Micah! Thanks!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 3:21 pm
Go for it! Fun. Mark and I took swing dance lessons at one time. That was a fun date time out. 🙂
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
Sounds good, Jennifer. I’ll just have to get my wife a pair of steel toes shoes! Thanks, sister.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 6:02 pm
Reminds me of how David danced when they brought the ark back to Jerusalem. He didn’t care what others thought, he was dancing for God and that’s the best kind of dancing we can do!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:36 pm
That’s exactly what I was thinking about too, Caleb! It’s a matter of the heart, which makes it so hard for us to see sometimes. Thanks, Caleb!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 @ 6:41 pm
I like the idea of dancing. That’s about as far as it goes. Once I start, I get all kinds of awkward. But, people misunderstand the difference between childish and FUN. Putting away the fun things (appropriately fun, that is) will lead to premature balding and an early death, or at least a desire for it, in my mind. Which is what you were saying anyway, so I don’t know why I’m repeating you. Go learn to ballroom dance!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:38 pm
JAKE!!!!! I’ve missed you, brother! Thanks so much for dropping in! I gotta go check out your end of the world. It does feel awkward doesn’t it? Ballroom dancing is gonna be worse! Thanks, Jake! Always great to hear from you, amigo.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 7:08 am
Dance on! Dance on! Let there be dancing. Lots of it. 🙂
I’m a huge fan of dance… western swing, two-step, and even country cha-cha. I was born with the boogie-woogie in my blood. So, when my 6’4″ husband, then, my fiancé, refused to take dance lessons with me in college, I told him, “It’s okay. I’ll find another tall drink of water to be my partner.” Guess who showed up at class? Anyway, who gives a rip what others think? If you have joy and fun, that’s all you need. Talent will come in steps. (ha.) We even competed and won a few contests. And what better way to sweep a woman off her feet?
Pst… I still do the hokey pokey. And the hula hoop. There’s a difference between childish and childlike, aye?
Blessings.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:41 pm
You crack me up, Darlene! What a wonderful perspective you have, sister. And yes, there is a difference between childish and childlike. As I mentioned below, I’m gonna get my wife a steel toed pair of shoes… she won’t wear work boots though, well maybe she would, but not to dance in! Glad to hear you still shake things up around the homestead, Darlene. Life is short, we might as well make the most of the gifts that our Father has bestowed upon us. Thanks, Darlene!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 10:02 am
Floyd, honestly I am not a great dancer. My wife does want to do Ballroom dancing but I am so embarrassed for many reasons I keep holding her back. So I guess I just need to jump. We do need to put away those Childish things however. Great as always Sir.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
Thanks, Lincoln. The childish things that I need to give up are the ones where I want my way regardless of others and getting mad when I don’t get my way… That’s an ugly trait in a grown up, don’t you think?
I’m with you on the dancing… but it’s like anything else I imagine. Jump in and eventually we’ll catch on… or at least be able to say we tried!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:56 pm
I’m sad to say that I am trying to get over that Childish way also. Its hard to do.
Friday, July 4, 2014 @ 10:02 am
You’re not alone, Lincoln. It’s a lifetime fight against this flesh.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 12:58 pm
I know some adults that need to become more childlike and stop being so serious about everything. They are tighter than a gnats booty. Take your two left feet and enjoy the ballroom dancing. After some practice, you may become a great dancer.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
“Tighter than a gnats booty.” I love that! That doesn’t leave a lot of room for interpretation! You hit in spot on. I think often the world see us as Christians and if we’re not the happiest, or at least the ones with the most joy regardless of our circumstances, why would they be interested in having what we have? I’m with you, Bernard. We have to be heart of our Savior and that will show in our dispositions. Thanks, Bernard. I’ll try to get those two left feet in sync!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 @ 7:32 pm
I miss dancing. Don’t have time… haven’t had time for nearly 20 years … and don’t have the energy well enough now. BUT sometimes, even with my cane, I start rambling around at a wedding area or a worship time at a church. Hokey Pokey is/was fun, Line Dancing on the Country music hit me in the early ’80s in Oklahoma and kept me for a long time. And Rock and Roll portions when I was in Jr. Hi. and Hi School… back in the mid-’50s to ’60s. Oh, well… now as an old person and buried in going around and about to deal with reality, over and over again, there ain’t time to dance. Even when I’m worshiping the Lord, I do some dancing. I truly look forward to being in heaven and dancing around and about Him. Nothing else counts. Thanks for sharing. Make me rejoice, and grin, and fill with desire to move that direction.
Friday, July 4, 2014 @ 10:06 am
Sounds like you’ve danced them all! But I’m with you, dancing before the Lord is the one that is worthy. I’m thrilled to make you smile, Joanne! That’s the kind of gift that is more valuable than silver or gold! Thanks, Joanne. I always appreciate your take on things.
Thursday, July 3, 2014 @ 9:28 am
Amen, it’s defiantly a thinking thing and not a dancing thing:) God still wants us to have fun and at times be silly. Great read!
Friday, July 4, 2014 @ 10:11 am
Well said, Dan. “A thinking thing and not a dancing thing.” Wise words, my friend! Thanks for adding that!
Saturday, July 5, 2014 @ 3:02 am
Before you long you can be dancing like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire! Now THAT was dancing!
Saturday, July 5, 2014 @ 12:32 pm
Yeah, that was dancing. But I won’t be crazy enough to set my sites quite that high! Funny! Thanks, Nannette. And thanks for checking in while your on your mission in Europe!
Saturday, July 5, 2014 @ 7:29 am
First, the way you made the Hokey Pokey into a biblical lesson is just great, Floyd. Second, I say go for it. Everyone I know who has done the ballroom dancing, even reluctantly, has really enjoyed it. I’m sure you and your wife can come up with a fair trade or compromise {wink}. Like some of the others, I have no rhythm, but wish I did. So I prefer to stay safely in the circle of my husband’s arms when we do dance. BTW – thank you for your faithful visits. My computer crashed last week and I’ve been playing catch up. Have a blessed weekend!
Saturday, July 5, 2014 @ 12:34 pm
I hear you, June. It’s one of those things like square dancing in high school, it was dreaded… then it was done everyone missed it! Funny how older people with wisdom always seem to be right… Glad you got your computer back up and running! Thanks, June.