While Madonna was at the height…
…of her faux virgin pop takeover, she was also evangelising about the merits of dance; demanding you bust more than a move.
She flounced around in ripped lace, crucifix-strewn and defiant goading us to get into that groove. And we did, in droves. But not because her dancing was particularly inspired or complex.
Hers were the unpolished, bumps and grinds. They didn’t involve any heart-racing, tricky choreography, just simple, sensual steps that made you feel good doin’ ‘em; a half spin, hop, sometimes a sly skip and soon you were dancing unlike a virgin.
As a teen and early 20-something I bopped to all the pop giants’ hits – from Kiss to Thriller – wanting to dance with somebody… somebody who loved me.
But my moves were small and safe, dainty steps only around that handbag on the dancefloor.
Occasionally I’d sneak in a hip shimmy at a cousin’s 21st when Erotic City coaxed me outta my shell. Google the lyrics, friends.
“Let the music set you free.” M beckons.
These days I practice what she preaches…
…in my living room wearing sequinned Uggs, Kool & The Gang drowning out any pointless blues, or in a club where I yell beloved purple lyrics off tune, turned on by the groove that beats inside all of us.
I’d love you to join me on July 3 at Sydney’s Hollywood Hotel for a night of joyful music and dance.
Come for your soul and stay for the funk.
© Phyllis Foundis 2026