Dancing policeman attracts crowds
A policeman who dances as he directs traffic has become a Christmas fixture in the US.
Tony Lepore retired from the force 22 years ago, but returned as a reserve officer for 10 days around the festive period every year at the request of city officials in Providence, Rhode Island.
He said the original routine was born not at Christmas but in the month of May, out of the boredom and aggravation that officers typically experience while directing rushing drivers and jaywalking pedestrians.
Positive publicity encouraged officials to endorse the dancing cop, who continued to perform until he left the job in 1988.
In 1992 he was asked to rejoin the force to dance and direct traffic around Christmas as part of a campaign to improve the city’s image and bring in visitors.
He says his body takes a pounding and that he has had knee surgery, pulled some muscles and even suffered stress fractures.
