Pan's People: 1968-1976

Pan’s People were formed in London in December 1966, starting as a trio before expanding to a sextet. They gained popularity by appearing on television series in the UK and the Netherlands. Their breakthrough came in 1968 when they were first approached to perform on Top of the Pops.

In 1968, choreographer Virginia Mason invited two dancers from the troupe to perform on TOTP for a routine to “Simon Says” by the 1910 Fruitgum Company. Later that year, they performed a routine to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, and finally, the entire sextet's first official performance was on 30th May 1968, dancing to "U.S. Male" by Elvis Presley.

Pan's People were the second dance troupe to appear regularly on Top of the Pops, succeeding the Go-Jos in May 1968. Starting with monthly appearances, they became a weekly feature of the programme following its revamp and time extension in January 1970. During this time the group’s fan mail and high viewing figures led to the group being featured on Top of the Pops nearly every week.

Original Line-up:

• Louise Clarke
• Felicity (Flick) Colby
• Barbara “Babs” Lord
• Ruth Pearson
• Andrea “Andi” Rutherford
• Patricia “Dee Dee” Wilde

Flick Colby gradually stepped down from dancing duties towards the end of 1971 to focus on choreographing the group’s routines. In 1972, Andi Rutherford left Pan’s People to raise a family and was replaced by Cherry Gillespie. In mid-1974, Louise Clarke left to start a family and was replaced through an open audition by Susan “Sue” Menhenick.

The final personnel changes within the dance troupe occurred in 1975 when Babs Lord and Dee Dee Wilde left the group. Two new members, Mary Corpe and Lee Ward, joined the troupe.

Line-up by April 1976:

• Mary Corpe
• Cherry Gillespie
• Sue Menhenick
• Ruth Pearson (the only remaining original member)

Pan’s People last appeared on Top of the Pops on 29th April 1976, dancing to "Silver Star" by the Four Seasons.