Dynamic husband, wife duo keep the ‘Philly Bop’ alive at Treasures dance hall in Germantown

PHILADELPHIA - Treasures Banquet Hall in Germantown was bopping Thursday night…literally!

Dynamic dancing husband and wife duo, June and Audrey Donaldson hosted their infamous Philly Bop class. 

"Folks are still interested in learning. It's part of our roots. It's tradition if you had a family reunion, or just a Saturday night party, family party, community party, that was the dance they did."

The six-count dance originated from the Lindy Hop back in the 1920's. 

The Philly version is a little slower and smoother and was influenced by Motown. It exploded with Dick Clark's American Bandstand in the 1950's. 

The couple, who met on the dance floor more than 20 years ago, said there’s nothing like the Philly Bop.

June and Audrey Donaldson

"We're hoping this younger generation catches onto it. We don't want it to be lost, June Donaldson said.

The couple is now on a mission to keep this dance sensation alive, and June has a plan on how to draw in a younger audience. 

"Me, being 6 foot 7, they'll see a big guy coming in and first thing they say is you play basketball? I'm a dance instructor. Then I show them we can dance. You gotta make it fun for them," he said. 

The dance sure looked fun and the Donaldsons’ motto is "Walk in...Dance out," encouraging people with two left feet to give it a try.

June, who says anyone can learn the bop, did not take "no" for an answer and FOX 29's Dawn Timmeney gave it a try. 

"We encourage students to practice, and some get addicted like we are, and we show up every week. We dance a few times a week."

This dedicated dancing duo will also come to your home or gathering and get you doing the real Philly Bop.  You can find a lot more information on their website.