The Glass Spider troupe, 1987. Clockwise from top left: Victor
Manuel, Constance Marie (Lopez), Billy Dainty, Melissa Hurley,
Spazz Attack and Skeeter Rabbit. Picture © Denis O’Regan 1987.
And I’m gone, Like I’m dancing on angels…
Details regarding the passing on Saturday of Stephen Nichols, better known as
Bowie fans will remember Skeeter for his breathtaking dance moves as part of David Bowie?s Glass Spider troupe on the 1987 world tour. His work with DB was captured for posterity via the official film of the tour and in the Time Will Crawl promo video.
Skeeter first started dancing as a youngster growing up in the streets of Los Angeles. He started out locking and soon after began popping with his cousins Boogaloo Sam and Poppin Pete around 1978. In 1979 he became an official member of the vElectric Boogaloos and went on to become a pioneer of the popping and boogaloo dance styles.
Skeeter continued to spread funk styles knowledge through shows, appearances and classes around the world, and, apart from his work with Bowie, he appeared in videos alongside artists including Thomas Dolby, Talking Heads, Toni Basil, Chaka Khan, Madonna, Usher and Michael and Janet Jackson.
A Google search of Skeeter Rabbit proves just how respected a dancer he was and how dearly he will be missed in the Hip-Hop fraternity.
(NB: Sorry for the delay in posting this news?A kaput motherboard does hamper one?s progress somewhat. Anybody got any recommendations for a laptop that lasts longer than three months?!)