Jocko
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Jocko is the brain child of Helen Rademacher. He is a life size
dance partner who exclusively dances with her. Helen remarks that Jocko is a very good
dancer and doesn't miss a step. He made his debut in 1990 at the Four Seasons Lodge
in the Ozarks at a Polkafest. He weighs 26 pounds, and is fashioned from a 14 yr old boys mannequin torso, some stuffing and chicken wire. He is rather quiet, never talks back, has brown eyes and the distinguishing characteristic of two left hands. As he aged he acquired a mustache and goatee. Helen and her good friends Wayne and Margaret Heinemeier helped in Jocko's construction. |
| Helen got the idea for her dancing partner from her father, John
Duda. In about 1941 her father fashioned a similar partner "Wilma" from a
mannequin's head. He wowed the crowd as he and "Wilma" danced around the floor.
Sadly, "Wilma" disintegrated over time. Both "Wilma" and "Jocko" dance by having flexible knees and special shoes in addition to a neck strap around their partners neck. Jocko's strap is attached at his navel. Special footwear have been made with two pair of shoes with the soles attached - toe to toe - with man's shoes on one side, woman's on the other. |
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Jocko loves to travel. He's been in Wyoming, Arizona, Florida,
Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. He has danced at the Lawrence Welk
Theater in Branson, Missouri, and has given Helen the opportunity to meet many musicians
and fellow dancers. Helen and "Jocko" regularly attend the St. Louis Metro Polka club's 3 day festival Thanksgiving weekend. |
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