Freddie (dance)

TheFreddiewas a short-lived 1960sfad danceprompted by the release of the songs "I'm Telling You Now",and" Do the Freddie ", both by the British band,Freddie and the Dreamers."Do the Freddie" had been a number 18 hit in the United States in 1965, and American dance craze stalwartChubby Checkerhad then made it to number 40 with the minor hit "Let's Do the Freddie" in that same year and number 15 inCanadaBillboardsaid of Checker's version that there's a "new dance on the scene and Checker's got it! Exciting number done in his familiar style."Record Worldsaid that Checker "has a new terp idea that will also do big business."

To do the Freddie, the dancer simply stands in place; then, in rhythm with the music, extends the left leg and raises both arms, as if doingjumping jacks;then extends the right leg and raises both arms again. The moves are repeated until the song's conclusion.

Popular culture

Although the dance never achieved lasting popularity, it was instantly recognizable. In a 1965 episode ofThe Addams Family( "Lurch, the Teenage Idol" ), Gomez Addams (John Astin) does The Freddie enthusiastically in his living room. In 1989 "Do the Freddie" made a surprise comeback in the movieTroop Beverly Hills.

In 1987 another song called "Do the Freddy" was released, off the gimmick albumFreddy's Greatest Hits.Complete with guest vocals byRobert Englundas slasher movie iconFreddy Krueger,the song also contained instructions on how to dance "The Freddy".

The Freddie is also mentioned in "The Frug",a song by the bandRilo Kiley(A reference made because the band's guitaristJenny Lewishad starred inTroop Beverly Hillsas a child). It appeared on both their debut album,The Initial Friend E.P.,and on the soundtrack to the filmDesert Blue.

The Adolescentsalso released a song in the 1980s entitled "Do the Freddy".

InThe Simpsonsepisode "Duffless",Bart dreams of a" Go-Go Ray "with the ability to force teachers and administrators to perform various fad dances, includingthe Mashed Potato,the Jerk,and the Freddie.