Hupsakee!

I thought I’d post a brief ramble about this fun music video, which never fails to cheer me up. And what’s more worthy of discussion than that?!

The spunky lead singer is just fabulous, with her mischievous vibe putting a smile on my face every time. I hope she’s gone onto do plenty more successful performing arts stuff. The same goes for her lively backing singers and dancers.

I’m not usually one for noticing, or even participating in, any dancing, but the moves in this video are strikingly-angular and memorable. Everybody looks like they’re having such a blast! Kinderen voor Kinderen have now figured out how to include interesting dancing alongside their tunes without making them suggestive. They’re basically exaggerated exercise routines, which creates a sensibly-uncontroversial balance. It’s certainly better than the awkward “dad-dancing” of yore.

I shall not embarrass myself by attempting to learn the moves in “Hupsakee!”.

There’s no direct translation into English for the Dutch word “hupsakee”, by the way, but it’s meant to be an energetic motivational platitude, such as: “Let’s go!” or “Come on!”. I prefer: “Up you get!” myself, as at least it sounds vaguely similar to the original. So, next time you’re bending at the knees ready to lift a heavy box at work, be sure to exclaim: “Hupsakee!” and remember how The Whittling Post has now ruined your life.

The gangly nerd playing the confused teacher in the video is actually KvK’s official, and very patient, vocal coach/director, who features in multiple behind-the-scenes clips on YouTube. They’ve also started commandeering him for more-frivolous fare, which is no bad thing. He’s camp as all get out and super-cute, so I’m happy.

Songs like “Hupsakee!” are helping me keep afloat these days, especially in the face of crippling moods of despair and anxiety. There’s a deep pain within me, which even medication can’t seem to cure, but I continue to tread water day-by-day without a goal.

Kinderen voor Kinderen provides me with a burst of hupsakee each day, which I will be eternally grateful to them for.

I believe that is why the Dutch music collective is still going after 45-amazing-years.

Do stay in touch, darlings.

Doei!