Print this PostJust a couple of weeks ago, I was in a dance club in Burgos and suddenly the DJ began to blast that famous song sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the film “Grease” — you know, the one whose lyrics say ”you’re the one that I want.” When I first heard the song come on, I couldn’t figure out why the DJ had chosen it. After all, it’s not exactly the most “current” or “best to dance to” song on the market. At least that’s what I thought. Apparently, I was wrong.
As soon as the song started pumping from the speakers in the club, all the Spaniards formed a line and began to dance in sync — with choreographed movements and beautiful timing — just as if they were actually living in the movie. That’s right, they danced just like Danny and Sandy in the movie, complete with the wavy hand movements and the “ooo, ooo, oooooo, honey” lyrics. What was really surprising to me was the fact that most of the Spaniards were even able to mutter out the chorus in English (with pronunciation that, well, more or less resembled English).
Now, this entire spectacle left me quite perplexed. After all, it’s not every day that you see a bunch of Spaniards suddenly form a line and dance as if they were performing an off-Broadway musical right in the middle of the discoteca. What’s even more surprising is that the “song of choice” happened to be from an American film as opposed to a Spanish one. So, since I was so stricken by this whole affair, I began to do some research by asking my Spanish friends what they knew about the film “Grease.” I came to find out that, in Spain, “Grease” is a true classic and most Spaniards have watched the film numerous times. Pretty surprising considering that most Americans have probably only seen the film once (at least I think that most Americans have only seen the film once — it doesn’t seem too popular in the USA to me).
In any event, I’d like to get down to the bottom of this whole “Grease Popularity” issue and I need your help. Please post your own opinion about the movie “Grease” in the comments of this post. It would also help if you posted the country you are from and the number of times that you have seen this film. In this way, perhaps we can see what country is the biggest “Grease” fan.
Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com
Same phenomenon in the UK…I’m actually surprised to hear that this DOESN’T happen in the US. I’ve probably only seen the film twice over the years but I’ve heard the song and seen the dance..oooh…about 100 times…honey.
@Abi – At least in my mind, this doesn’t happen in the USA. I, for example, have only seen the film once in my life — and that was because they MADE me watch it in high school. Maybe my experience is different than that of the typical American, but I don’t think so. Honestly, I can’t believe this happens in other parts of the world. haha
To all my readers: Does this happen where you live? Keep your comments coming!
I definately agree with Abi its a huge phenomenom in the UK. I have watched it countless times, perfomed in a school production of it, saw it at the theatre and danced countless times to the Grease Megamix and I still know all of the words to “we go together”
@Lisa – Woah… sounds like you’re an authoritative Grease “expert.”
I’m finding this all unbelievable… keep the comments coming.
I want to watch it so badly but somehow it is not popular at all in my country.
maybe it’s just a girl thing, but I live in the USA and I LOVE Grease… many of my friends and I have watched it way more than once. I am also 18, just graduated, so maybe it’s just something that came back into style with my generation, but I remember hearing some Grease songs at middle-school dances and all of us dancing to some “Grease Lightning” =)
@Sarah – What country are you from?
@Amanda – Perhaps you’re right, it could be a “generation” thing in the USA… it also could go by regions of the country.