Next Stop on the ‘Soul Train’ Tour: the ‘70s

The Scene: A reunion bringing together the principals of the show that promised “60 nonstop minutes across the tracks of your mind”--the original “Soul Train” gang and dancers. To recapture the original ‘70s spirit, the event was held at the Regency West in Liemert Park, an area where the gang practiced and partied. TVs around the room showed old footage of the show, eliciting nonstop memories and laughter. Besides that, the most frequent sound was screams of delight from old friends and dance partners, some of whom had been apart 20 years.

Who Was There: Besides the original dancers, among the crowd were Steven Williams (“21 Jump Street,” “The X-Files”), singer Freda Payne and ‘70s icon Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and “Welcome Back, Kotter’s” Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington. But where was Don Cornelius?

The Look: In the age of bald chic, the only oversized Afros were wigs, but there was a fringed vest and a silver jumpsuit. Best ensemble goes to the man who wore the denim gauchos, yellow, brown and aquamarine argyle socks, and gold lace-up platforms.

Best ‘70s Accessory: Dancer Pat Davis’ camera. Remember those horizontal jobs that used those bars of flash cubes that you have to flip over after, like, six pictures?

Chow: What else but sooooooul food: fried catfish, fried chicken, barbecued ribs, black-eyed peas, collard greens, yams, macaroni and cheese and corn bread. Dessert was apple cobbler.

Memories: “Dancing on ‘Soul Train’ was nothing but mega-fun,” said Sharon Hill Wood. “We were all like family. We went to each other’s houses, had barbecues, went to clubs together.”

The Dance-Show Difference: While watching old footage, a dancer noted, “ ‘Soul Train’ had all those different theme songs and ‘American Bandstand’ still has the same one!”

But Can They Still Dance? Some might breathe a little harder and weigh a little more, but put on some music and out breaks a “Soul Train” line.

The End: Wishing you love, peace and. . . .