Batman premiere party
Do the Batusi!
Alex Q. Arbuckle
Jan. 12, 1966
In January 1966, ABC premiered its Batman television series, starring Adam West as the caped crusader and Burt Ward as Robin.Rather than a grim and dark take on the orphaned billionaire who spends his nights beating up petty criminals, the series was a campy half-hour comedy with colorful visuals and after-school special lessons on important topics, such as eating your vegetables.The premiere episode also gifted the world with a new dance, the Batusi, where a dancer makes horizontal Vs with his fingers and draws them across his face.On the night of the premiere, a party was held to celebrate. In attendance were Batman creator Bob Kane, Penguin actor Burgess Meredith and, of course, an enthusiastic guy in a Batman costume.
Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.