WORLD NORTHERN SOUL DANCE CHAMP
SALLY
MOLLOY
THE CHAMP
In 2022, Sally Molloy became the World Northern Soul Dance Champion at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Sally's journey into the world of Northern Soul began at the age of 19, when working away from home and listening to soul records handed down by her mum.
After listening to Northern for 3 years Sally finally stepped foot on the dance floor at her first Northern Soul all nighter, The Kings Hall in Stoke-on-Trent.
Captivated by the unique moves of the original Wigan Casino Dancers whilst hearing her favourite Northern records played live was the beginning of it all.
Sally's triumph at the championships inspired her to help others get out of their head and into the music as she dedicates her time creating her personalised syllabus of Northern Soul dance moves to help others get out on the floor.
BBC NEWS
'Ms Molloy, from Stoke, said after getting her love of music from her mother, she delved into Northern Soul for herself and
"listened to some records and watched some footage'.
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'YOU GOTTA UNDERSTAND THE MUSIC TO DANCE
NORTHERN SOUL'
Northern Soul is more than just a music genre!
It's dedication to music that values rarity, passion, and honesty.
The movement's dedication to these hidden obscure soul records ensured that a whole generation of soul music was preserved, celebrated, and passed down, giving life to records that might have otherwise been lost to time.
The Northern Soul movement emerged in the late 1960s in Northern England, centered around a passion for a specific type of American soul music. This genre has its roots in the mid-1960s, drawing from the lesser-known, up-tempo rare soul records produced in the United States, especially from cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Unlike the smoother and more polished hits from major labels like Motown, Northern Soul records were often overlooked or forgotten, often from smaller, independent labels - Okeh / Golden World /Mirwood/ Chess Records.
Northern Soul DJs played a crucial role in the scene, not only by spinning records but also by sourcing and promoting the music. They would scour American record stores, warehouses, and even radio station archives to find rare soul records that had never made it big in the U.S.
Northern Soul dance is an integral part of the Northern Soul culture, characterised by its athletic, energetic, and highly expressive style. The dance evolved alongside the music in the late 1960s and 1970s, primarily within the nightclubs and dance halls of Northern England.
Northern Soul dance is not just a physical activity, it is a form of expression that reflects the energy and passion of the music. Dancing is a way to escape the pressures of everyday life and immerse fully in the record. The dance floor is a place of freedom, where social boundaries are blurred, and individuality is celebrated along side the music.