A Step Ahead

It’s about time someone brought the story of Don Campbell to light (“A Hoofer’s Place in History,” by Jeff Spurrier, July 23). Back in 1968, when I was a Sunday afternoon deejay at KGFJ, Campbell would drop by and start dancing. He simply startled everyone with his talents. This man was, and is, a pioneer of African American dance culture. Everyone else has borrowed from Don Campbell.

Tom Reed

Los Angeles

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I had the good fortune of being a frequent dance partner of Don Campbell from 1978 to 1980. What a joy! Dancing with this always-creative living masterpiece brought many elements into play; at times it was like pogo-sticking, at others it felt like flying like the Wallendas. And all the while it maintained the intensity of a Mack truck. And Campbell never taught you anything, as such. “You have to feel it,” he always said.

It was with relief and respect that I learned of his current resurgence in popularity. I appreciate the belated public recognition that locking was his creation, one of historical and cultural significance.

Roxanne

West Hollywood