Ruby Flipper – Aria

Top of the Pops 26 August 1976: Patti Hammond dances as Acker Bilk played Aria.

It’s a common scenario back in the seventies: amongst the screaming hairy youths, some sedate ballad or slow instrumental becomes a surprise hit, and the groovy hipsters at TOTP, obliged to include the dirge amongst their snappy dance choones, shoves in a dancer to liven up the screen. Sue got the job for james Galway’s Annie’s Song a couple of times in 1978: Pauline got to dance alone to Rose Royce in a fabric forest in 1977: and Lulu got a male partner for Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s endless Love in 1981.

But back in 1976, it was Patti’s job to dance while old Acker Bilk played his Aria. Not really my cup of tea musically, but it does show Patti to be a highly technically accomplished dancer.

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