Nitty Gritty with Bobby Banas - 1963 (corrected aspect ratio)

In these scary, neo-Pat Boone times, we need a fresh look at fully committed people getting the job done. Shirley Ellis singing "The Nitty Gritty" and danced by a troupe led by an astonishing Robert Banas. The video is available elsewhere on YouTube thanks to Soul of the South, but I've corrected the aspect ratio. No disrespect intended.

[tianaphillips]

Admit it, the only one you're watching is Bobby.

[AdaKizi]

Bobby Banas died yesterday - July 29, 2024, aged 90. Good innings, and thanks for all the choreography :-)

[DaphneHarridge]

Even when I try to watch the other dancers individually, Bobby just drags my eyes right back. He is incredible.

[nolaughingmatter]

When you’re having a bad day, dance like Bobby Banas and all your troubles will go away

[Exlee-dquo]

He epitomizes the saying, "Dance like nobody's watching!" Everytime I watch this it just puts a smile on my face. The sheer joiex de vivre of this man is infectious! I think it's so amazing that 57 years later this inspired performance is still bringing joy to people! Bobby Banas you were and are amazing!

[elainebmack]

Bobby Banas has total bodily movement. It's really something to see.

[batheandrelaxinmyshit]

I met my wife at school when this song was brand new on the radio and it brings such happy memories because this was our song. Sadly she died of pancreatic cancer ten years ago today and I chose this song as her funeral song. I'm blessed to have known and be a part of my wife's life and I long to be with her one day. Rest in peace my dear Florence, I miss you every single

[notsusan]

I love this because I like to imagine how many people wander here, think "how am I supposed to know who Bobby Banas is, there's 3 dudes in tuxes, " and then as soon as they start watching, immediately figure it out. There's no possible confusion lol.


this is such a great example of how different a dance looks when you're actually into it.

[stacyamazedbylife]

I came here looking for Bob! I was blessed and lucky enough to study with him in the early 80s, and had the honor of being part of his company! He is truly a genius! I feel so lucky to have had him as part of a very special part of my life! I was just a kid then, quite literally 14 years old. I've got a lifetime of memories from the years that I studied with him! He's a true blessing to the dance community and the world in general!

[marydahm]

Everyone else looks like they’re trying to remember their moves while Bobby busts it out and takes it down! Love seeing this video!

[boogaria]

Bob Banas was my dance teacher in the late 80s up to the mid-90s. He taught classes at his beautiful home in the San Fernando Valley area where he had a studio in the back. I remember lots of fond memories. We were a tight little group of dancers and we all including Bob would get together on the holidays like right before Thanksgiving and Christmas and go out to eat. Really fond memories. I hope he's okay and doing well. I would assume he must be in his eighties at this point.

[Dustin-ibtu]

Who else came here for their Nitty Gritty fix?

[stevestone]

The guys got a 9th degree black belt in dancing.

[julierobinson]

Love this dance and can't take my eyes off Bobby 😂❤

[b.glover]

He outshines the others so much it's hard to take your eyes off of him.

[margies]

Im addicted to this! Bobby Banas makes the other guys look like Dads dancing!

[kell]

Most comments here focus on Bobby Banas, but this was an ensemble piece choreographed by Banas. Of course Banas' performance was exhilarating, but all the dancers were superb. I loved the fact that the dancers were costumed with class. The men were dancing in dinner jackets and the women were clothed in satin-chiffon and blew up their skirts as they danced. How they kept their high-heeled shoes on, without some restraining strap, is anyone's guess.

[paulpereira]

I think I watch this at least 2-3 times a day! I just love BB

[monicabeatrizferreiro]

Bobby Banas... you are amazing and unique... Nobody can replace your dance!

[rebeccagatling]

Joy to watch!
Bobby dances with every part of his body, and ALL of his heart!