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Dancerella
by Mattel
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Read memories from others. |
This memory was added on: May 8,2007
I didn't have a Dancerella doll. My parents were not the type to indulge in fad-type toys as we didn't have a lot of money. However, my best friend Jennifer had one we played with at her house, and better than that, she changed the song to "Nancerella" when we sang it while we played!
Nancy
1972
lizbeth72@hvc.rr.com
This memory was added on: March 2,2007
Well I never actually had this doll but my sister sure did. The thing is, that this was a very popular toy that year (Well at least that wht I'm told). Every store my parents went to, it was sold out. It was really late Christmas year and the doll was nowhere to be found. So on their way home they saw a small pharmacy opened and they decided to give it one last try. Just like in a movie there it was, the very last one left and my sister went nuts over it. Now that’s one of the classic Christmas stories, I guess they still can't belive that they found it.
1982
This memory was added on: December 27,2006
Hello I am trying to locate the instructions for the Dancerella Doll by Mattel made in 1978. I have contacted Mattel and they told me that they do not have instructions for dolls that old. I would appreciate it if anyone knows how to get the instructions if they would e-mail me at victorianlady60@charter. net. thank you.
margaret eliason
1939
victorianlady60@charter.net
This memory was added on: December 19,2006
I got my dancerella doll when I was 2 or 3 years old. My mom told me she would get her for me if I stopped sucking my thumb. I got her and never sucked my thumb again! I loved her, but I had the same problem as some others with the hair wrapping around her crown. I'm not sure what happened to her, but I still remember her as one of my most favorite childhood toys.
1974
This memory was added on: December 10,2006
I got my doll when I was about nine and I had her for about two hours when my dad spilled coffee on her tights. You couldn't take them off and we never did get the stain out. I finally got rid of her when I was in my late teens and the battery compartment got messed up. I wanted to get one for my niece when she was little but couldn't find her anywhere. She's 18 now and it's too late.
michelle
1971
jimmieness@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: November 6,2006
I totally loved my Dancerella! I don't remember how old I was when I got her but I do remember making her dance all the time. Eventually her hair started to get twisted up into the crown so I wasn't able to play with her much after that. I still have her though and she reminds me of good childhood times.
Louise
1972
weeziepepper@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: October 25,2006
When I was a boy I would love my Saturday morning cartoons. One of those Christmas months Mattel did this onslaught of commercials for this doll- I never had a desire to own her (being a boy) but I had to hear the song at least once every half an hour while I watched my Bugs Bunny and Cosby Kids. As a result, here I am, almost forty years old... and I STILL know all the words to it. Is there any way to purge this song from my memory? I'm sure I could find better use for those synopis than Dancerella!
Tim Price
1967
Esonbigsby@Yahoo.com
This memory was added on: October 6,2006
The best Christmas I ever had was the year that I got my Dancerella doll, I was eleven years old, and everyone wanted one. In fact it is the one Christmas that stands out in my memory. I really wanted that doll, and when I found it under the tree on Christmas morning I was just over joyed. I played with her until she fell apart. I would love to get one for my daughter. They just don't make those sort of dolls anymore.
Lydia
1967
l_verosky@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: September 21,2006
I got my dancerella doll in 1978 I was three years old. I had the aa one she was the best doll in the whole world! I remember playing with her she was my favorite doll and I remember I would have to sit down and unwind the hair from around the crown. I am now 31 and I have two little girls I wish Mattel would remake this doll I would get each of my girls one and one for me too!
iliana
1975
nurseili@optonline.net
This memory was added on: September 14,2006
I received Dancerella for Christmas in about 1967 when I was living in New York...oh I wanted that doll so badly--I worked myself up into a frenzy and was so happy when she was there under the tree on Christmas morning. However, after the installation of batteries, she didn't work..I can still remember the feeling of complete heartbreak! My parents tried to get me another one right after Christmas, but the stores were sold out. I now live in Scotland, U.K....imagine my total surprise when I found a Dancerella mint in box in a bric-a-brac shop in a remote Scottish town--I think it must have been fate! I would like to ask if anyone out there remembers Timey Tell? She was Dancerella-like...I think she was made by Mattel around 1967-ish. She had shocking pink clothing, blonde ponytails, and a big plastic watch attached to her arm...you set the time on her watch and then pulled the string in her back, and she said something about the time. Wow, I really wanted that doll--when I got her for my birthday, I felt like a princess--I can remember forcing everyone at my birthday party to sit down and admire her!
R.L.L.
1962
This memory was added on: August 23,2006
Wow! I forgot I had this doll! I was very very young - maybe 3 or so. I remember the feeling of having to pull up her crown and hold her head to make her spin, and found it slightly freaky that that was how she moved. I really liked it and remember my parents playing with it with me just because they thought it was so innovative, but also my dad had to help me figure out how to work it. I remember the hairnet, and I think I remember eventually taking the hairnet off and her hair getting messed up really easily. I really liked this doll but I don't ever remember growing up with it. It either broke (which I don't remember) or more likely, it was given away when we moved when I was 5, when a lot of stuff was scaled down for packing. Anyway though, I thought I had a good memory until this site jogged it a bit! I really enjoyed that toy!
Michelle
1976
This memory was added on: June 25,2006
Dancerella was so pretty, me and my 2 sisters fought over her and broke her. I dont even know whos it was, we just fought and fought. We use to sing the song over and over, YOU CAN MAKE HER DANCE AGAIN!!!!
Amy
1971
brandyspam@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: June 20,2006
I still have my Dancerella. Perfect condition, in the box and she still works! =)
Amy
1967
u2wildhoney@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: June 18,2006
I had Dancerina. Loved her!! What is the diff between ella and rina?
MEG
brdwymeg@msn.com
This memory was added on: May 18,2006
I grew up in a single family home and we had very little money. I attended a Catholic school on scholarship and it was obvious that I was. But I remember that one week in December when I was in third grade we were asked to write letters to Santa, children without money usually know early that Santa isn't real, but I went ahead and wrote the letter anyway so I wouldn't get in trouble. I asked for a doll and a ballerina outfit. The last day of school the bus driver dropped us off last and drove us all the way up our long driveway to our little house. I didn't know why and I didn't care it was cold out and I didn't have to walk! I remember seeing the driver hand a box to my mom as I ran off to change my clothes. On Christmas morning I learned that Santa comes in all shapes, sizes and occupations as I opened my beautiful Dancerella doll, the answer to both of my requests, a doll and a ballerina outfit. Its the happiest memory of my childhood, I slept with her every night. I lost her when my family had to move. Christmasses have gotten much better for me and my own children, but none of them compare to the Christmas of my Dancerella doll!
Tami Grant
1969
grantasl@earthlink.net
This memory was added on: May 13,2006
WOW, I haven't seen a picture of my doll in SO long, such memories!!! I received my Dancerella doll the summer when I was 6 years old. I was in the hospital getting my tonsils out and my parents gave her to me. I have NO idea where she ended up over the years, but I would LOVE to have one again. :)
Michelle
1973
fightonmo@earthlink.net
This memory was added on: April 9,2006
I have DANCERINA and only recently found out the difference between Dancerella and Dancerina. Ohhhh, what a joy. :) I was just a little gal when I got her. She's still in beautiful condition. I know I even have her record stored away somewhere. Now I'm a dance teacher! How cool is that? She's a special doll. There's nothing like Dancerella or Dancerina out there these days. :)
ENJOY!
Stephanie
1966
This memory was added on: April 6,2006
What a trip! I actually still have her, her crown is cracked, and her hair is a nightmare, but I still have her!!!
holly
1975
batriles@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: March 9,2006
`I first got my Dancerella doll when I was about 8 or 9. I was so excited I could not afford my lesson so this was the next best thing. My fist doll broke it was replaced next Christmas and that one broke also. I still mis her I hope that Mattel will make her again
V. Joseph
4/9/68
Vjoseph@ptdprolog.net
This memory was added on: January 30,2006
My mother just returned to me my beautiful Dancerella doll from 1978. I was surprised to see her in MINT CONDITION still with her hairnet in place. I am offering this doll for sale on E-bay starting today, 1/30 if anyone is interested, search e-bay for Dancerella Doll. She is lovely!
Stacie
1966
stacie@austin.rr.com
This memory was added on: January 26,2006
I can't remember how I got the doll, but I left mine at an old gas station on the way to Houston one summer. My mom loves to recall how I would cry and say, "mommy, I miss my dancerella dancerella dancing ballet!". I remember loving that doll dearly. The gas station owner ended up posting it back to me, and we were reunited! Until her hair got tangled in her crown and she didn't turn anymore...
Emily
1974
This memory was added on: January 11,2006
I have great news! I found a Dancerella last week at an antique shop in Hickory, NC. I have searched high and low for years to find her again and I got really lucky. She was in perfect condition so I bought her. My 10 year old daughter thinks she is great just like I did in 1972 when I got her for Christmas.
Kim
1967
kprobin@comcast.net
This memory was added on: January 11,2006
I had a friend who always got the latest "thing" and if the latest toy or whatever came in more than one style, size, color, she probably had one of each. Anyway, this one particular Christmas Santa left me a Dancerella, (although I was thinking it was called Dancerina).My friend had also received one from Santa but this was the only time in my childhood that I had anything she had, and we had lots of fun playing with our Dancerellas together. I remember there was a record (made from some type of cardboard) that came with her that played music from "The Nutcracker". The crown on her head is what you used to make her "dance" by pulling the center piece up. I no longer have the doll, just some fond memories of yesteryear.
Laurie Wheeler
1963
lwheeler@intrusion.com
This memory was added on: January 2,2006
I loved that doll!! It was my all time most favorite toy (and I'm saying this 30+ years later!) My sister was so jealous that it was mine and that I would not let her play with the ballerina. We were just talking about the doll last week and not even a week later I came across your website...this is such a cool website!!
Annie
1967
frenchie1967@earthlink.net
This memory was added on: December 13,2005
Oh my goodness!!! I typed in her name and there she is. Oh how I miss my dancerella so!!! I took such good care of her. I went to another state one summer when I was still a little girl and when I returned, my mother had given most of my dolls to my then young cousin (who is now 27). Well, she didn't take care of Dancerella and subsequently...my mom had to throw Dancerella away. I don't blame anyone because I knew even then that money was tight and they just were letting my little cousin have some dolls to play with. But oh how I sure do miss Dancerella!
Dancerella's friend
This memory was added on: December 7,2005
Seeing this doll just brought me to tears, Its the only toy that I wish I still had and wanted to pass down to my daughter one day. I don't have a lot of details about the doll but she was black with beautiful black hair and she had a crown on her head. It was something special about the crown on her head and I can't remember what it was. If I ever get my hands on this doll again, I would value it like an expensive piece of art.
Ms. M
1973
karaokeketa@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: December 1,2005
My parents separated and then divorced when I was four. Unfortunately, during the separation, my Dancerella was left behind at my father's house. In the years that followed, every time we went to visit my dad, I was not allowed to take my dancerella back home with me. After a few years, I no longer got to stay at my dad's house for visits so I didn't get to play with my Dancerella any more. My dad has since remodeled, remarried and sold the house. To this day, even though I am married and have kids of my own, I feel a strong tie to that Dancerella doll and wish I still had her.
1975
surveybunny1@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: November 21,2005
I loved my Dancerina Doll! She is now broken but I still have her and hope one day someone could fix her. My mom saved her for me and gave her back to me when I got married 22 years ago. She was a beautiful doll with blonde hair to match my hair. Thank you for this website. It brings back some great memories.
1962
This memory was added on: November 9,2005
I just adored my Dancerina doll !! When I was just a little girl, I would "flit" around the house (as my Mum would say) performing for whomever would indulge me. I later went on to study and dance with the Boston Ballet for several years. I still have my doll and admire her often.
Maureen Ryan
1965
This memory was added on: November 1,2005
Baby Dancerina was my favorite doll, and I was thrilled to get her! She was so beautiful and graceful. My only regret is, when I grew up, I sold her to a doll seller during an antiques & collectibles sale in our local mall. I wish I'd never sold her! I'll have to keep looking on ebay for a really excellent quality Baby Dancerina to replace her. Guess I've got those "Baby Boomer Blues"...we should never sell our most prized toys!
1962
clindval@aol.com
This memory was added on: September 16,2005
I remember I wanted a Dancerina for so long and finally my parents got me a baby Dancerina - it was the best present I ever got up until then, I'm sure. Although I seem to remember a witch named Esmerelda whose eye lit up, as well. The funny part was that I ended up growing up to be a professional dancer - I wonder if Dancerina had something to do with that?
Amy
1963
amyadrienne@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: August 14,2005
I had the only Black Dancerella doll in existence (well, I like to think so). A male friend of my mother's found her for me, and she slept on my bed for years. When she was dancing, I just knew that I could take her to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and charge money so that people could come and see her dance. I was really impressed with her myself. I wish I still had her. Guess I'll have to hit Ebay to see if there's one there.
kellygirlaj
1962
kellygirlaj@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: August 8,2005
I was in the focus group for this doll. I remember then nabbing my mom and me at a mall in the San Fernando Valley and I got a Marathon Bar for watching a commercial and answering questions. I remember saying that Dancerella looked like Annette Funicello.
G
1969
mimine.lachatte@gmail.com
This memory was added on: August 7,2005
Dancerella's cute, but Dancerina was the queen! Beautiful. If you had one of those, you were "IT."
PJ Hedrick
1961
pjeanhedrick@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: August 1,2005
i have Dancerella but i was and still am a big fan of Dancerina's!!! i remember when she broke when i was 6 years old and i was so upset that i made my mom look for a doll hospital...gladly, i found a pretty good one on ebay and have her set up so i can see her all the time..she still makes me smile and feel like a little girl...
sabra
1963
This memory was added on: July 19,2005
http://dollreference.com/images/3dancerina_dolls_mattel70s.jpg
There were 3 sister dolls Dancerina, Dancerella and Baby Dancerina.
Angie
1974
hotdolbaby@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: June 16,2005
back in 1976, i was in 6th grade. my best friend was dan zorilla. needless to say, we used to sing this dancerella song to tease him. 6th graders can be pretty funny sometimes... how easy was that, dan zorilla-dancerella!
awsome...
pete searson
pete searson
1965
petes@paulfrank.com
This memory was added on: April 21,2005
The whole commerical went like this:
"Dancerella Dancerella dancing ballet She begins to spin when violins begin to play Back kicks and front kicks, twirling on her toes She will make music wherever she goes Dancerella Dancerella bows and then You can make her dance again"
Susan
1967
susalq@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: March 7,2005
My Dancerella doll had blonde hair. I remember she didn't work very long after Christmas morning.
Leesa
1963
althovey@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: January 20,2005
My memory is about Dancerella's big sister Dancerina. She was the most fabulous Christmas present I ever received. To own that beautiful blonde doll and see that lucious pink satin costume was the ultimate in happiness! I loved her so much. I recently bought one on Ebay and to this day to look at her makes me smile!
Randi
1963
randiharrington@msn.com
This memory was added on: December 28,2004
I absolutely loved my Dancerella doll! Her hair got really tangled in the knob/crown on top of her head but she was so beautiful and i was so crazy about her!
Rhonda
1974
rj_Davis@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: October 14,2004
I still have Dancerella at my parents house. I am saving her to show to my little girl, Arabella, when she is older. I hope to keep passing her down.
Quaintance
1975
lollibones75@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: September 3,2004
i lovvved this doll. However, I recall half of her hair got twisted up in that gadget you push down on in the middle of her crown (you know- the gadget that made her stick her leg out and spin). Also- she was the first doll I decided to take a curling iron to her hair. That black hair got very stretchy!
karen brown
1974
karencthorne@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: August 31,2004
Dancerella was one of the few dolls I did not get for Christmas as I wanted. I loved going to my mom's friend's house to play with her daughter's Dancerella. She was ever so graceful!
Debbie
1960
dju4him@cox.net
This memory was added on: August 29,2004
I remember this doll as being blonde and her name was Dancerina! Not sure she was made by the same company or not. The year was about 1969.
kathy
1960
katcave@ameritech.net
This memory was added on: July 7,2004
Oh, how thrilled I was to get this doll--'til the grinding noise it made (instead of "violins") drove me crazy and her hair got all wrapped around her crown's knob.
Dana
1971
danagsk8@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: May 8,2004
our neighbor girl got one for christmas, and I had always remembered her name as Dancerina..so, thanks to the one who cleared that up.. I always wanted to Dance....and the neighbor-Liz,did. So,Liz taught my sister and I how to dance, and we got to play with her doll too! That was in the day when friends cared for one another! You can find them on Ebay all the time, in varying degrees of 'health' anyone Remember Shrinking Violet??? Liz had one of those too. there was one on Ebay about 2 weeks ago that went for $350. wow!
Diana
1957
diney1957@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: April 19,2004
I had the Dancerella doll. She was brunette and I loved her SOOOOOO much. I have been trying to find one for my little girl. She is 7 but she is really into dolls. If anyone knows where I can find one, please email me.
Gwen
1974
gshalainew@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: March 12,2004
Elaine
1963
aunte@earthlink.net
This memory was added on: March 12,2004
I had Dancerina also, beautiful blonde hair which I eventually took down & brushed. :) I loved this doll, had so much fun playing with her. It brings back so many great memories to see old toys! Who would have known that we all would be so nostalgic about our toys! :)
Elaine
1963
aunte@earthlink.net
This memory was added on: February 27,2004
I remember Dancerina, the blonde one. Didn't have one b/c I chose a different doll that Christmas, but my best friend had one which was the next best thing to owning her myself. She was so cool and I'd forgotten about the record that came with her until reading this site. What a great doll.
independencedaybaby
1961
pjh0704@cs.com
This memory was added on: February 13,2004
I had this doll when I was about 5 or 6. I remember when I first took her out of the box she had a hair net on. Being that young, you don't want your doll to wear a hair net (I wanted to brush her hair and braid it). So, I took off the hair net and I remember her hair got tangled in the crown that helped her spin. After that, my doll never did spin quite the same! :)
Dayna
1974
dayna@dayna.com
This memory was added on: January 30,2004
Hey everyone!
I am NOT losing my mind. I just checked on ebay and sure enough Dancerina is the blond version. Ooooohhh.... someone had a BEAUTIFUL one up for auction. All dressed in her pink tutu she is a sight to behold. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy.
As a side note Teeyay, they had an African American one (Dancerella) for sale too. It said she was from 1978. Perhaps you had outgrown dolls by the time she came out.
Laurie
1962
ldnh03@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: January 29,2004
Like Laurie, I thought her name was Dancerina and mine was blonde, too. My mom made little outfits for her. I can still visulaize all of them. My Dancerina came with a 45 record with the Nutcracker Suite music.
Jill
1965
rosielenz@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: December 28,2003
I SAW THIS DOLL'S NAME IN THE LISTING AND WONDERED WAS IT MY DOLL. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NAME. I THINK I WAS ONLY 3 WHEN I GOT HER. I LOVED HER. HER HAIR WAS SO PRETTY AND I LOVED HER CROWN. I STILL HAVE HER. I NEED NEW CLOTHES FOR HER. SHE WAS DRESSED ALL IN PINK AND HER HAIR WAS BLONDE. MY LITTLE GIRL TAKES DANCING LESSONS NOW, I NEVER GOT TO TAKE DANCE.
CARMEN
1966
dunnahoe@bayou.com
This memory was added on: December 15,2003
I loved my doll--but she was blonde and and remember her name being Dancerina, too. My sister and I each had one. I don't remember the song, though.
Sara
1964
dboyle9237@bellsouth.net
This memory was added on: December 6,2003
I haven't seen this doll in YEARS! I had one and I got it for Christmas. I have great memories from that Christmas, but it was so long ago I don't remember the year.
Tammy
1972
This memory was added on: November 26,2003
This was my most favorite doll. Mine had blonde hair, but I forgot the name I gave her. She used to sleep with me when I was affraid of the dark. Companies just don't make pretty, durable and fun to play with dolls like this and Baby Crissy anymore.
Angie
1967
kimmbah@ivillage.com
This memory was added on: September 25,2003
I believe it's
"whirling her way through a dance you compose. Dancerella, dancerella bows and then...you can make her dance again."
This was one of the few dolls that my mother could not find an African American version of. I still loved her, though. I had already been taking ballet lessons for years when I got her, which is why she was perfect for me.
Teeyay
1967
This memory was added on: September 23,2003
OK, I really must be getting old. I thought the doll's name was Dancerina. I would have put money on it. Mine was blonde. Perhaps she had a different name??? Anyway, I loved this doll.
Laurie
1962
ldnh03@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: September 17,2003
...whirling away with a dance you can pose
This memory was added on: May 15,2003
I remember the song on the commercial regarding dancerella and how it would get stuck in my head for the entire day. Does anyone remember the last line. I remember, "Dancerella, dancerella, Dancing ballet. She begins to dance when violins begin to play. Front kicks, back kicks, twirling on her toes......." It has been frustrating me for about a year, so if someone could help I think that would be great.
Nick Krawczyk
1972
This memory was added on: May 5,2003
Dancerella was my favorite doll when I was a little girl. My mother started me out in dance lessons at the age of three and when I got dancerella I wanted to be just like her. Now I'm looking to find one to give to my nieces. This doll was wonderful.
christina steinman
1975
pinsgst@bellsouth.net
This memory was added on: May 3,2003
MY MOTHER STILL HAS MY DANCERELLA DOLL AND IT IS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I GOT HER ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS SPIN AROUND ON MY TOES AND BE A BALLERINA, I TOOK DANCING LESSONS FOR 3YEARS AFTER THAT AND KEPT EVERY MOMENT OF MY CHILDHOOD A THOUGHT OF FREEDOM AND FUN.
TANYA GREER
1972
coffy_g@hotmail.com
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