Hi -I'm a relatively new dancer but would like to get into dancing rock 'n' roll. Is there a simple version (1950s perhaps?) with only a few simple movements I could learn, and if so, where from?

Spinner-

There's no dance called "rock and roll" but I will assume that you mean you would like to be able to do a basic social dance which goes well with "Rock and roll" music such as that played in the 50's.

The "easiest" (and therefore least versatile!) dance to do to R&R would be Single Time (1x) Swing. This goes well to fast classics like the One O'Clock Jump, Great Balls of Fire, etc. You have seen this done a thousand times (albeit badly done) in movies. It is the most basic, most simple form of swing. Any dance studio can teach it to you.

That stated, I would suggest you consider putting in a bit more time at the start and learn either East Coast or West Coast Swing. Once you know wither EC or WC you will likely be able to pick up 1x without lessons. EC and WC are both more versatile dances which would let you comfortably dance to a wide range of music from slow blues numbers or romantic funk, to fast rock and roll and current top 40.

1x is an easy dance, but it's use is limited to a pretty narrow range of music. EC and WC are somewhat more difficult to learn at first, but they will give you much more enjoyment over time.

Best Wishes

With all due respect, I disagree. Rock'n Roll is a dance; it is an East Cost Swing derivative. It is best danced at speeds of 46 to 52 beats/minute.

I have competed in Rock'n Roll for several years, both on a national level and an international level. What distiguishes Rock'n Roll from East Coast Swing is the execution of the steps; the tripple steps are substituted by kicks toward the flour while jumping on the other foot. The rock-step is substituted by a kick-ball-change sequence (for the male partner, the kick is with the left foot downwards, the ball is on the right foot, and the change consists in putting the weight of the body on the ball of the left foot; for the female partner, exchange the left foot with the right foot, and for those who like that style, kick diagonally outwards with the right foot).

These steps are very athletic, since during this jump/kick sequence, bent legs serve as shock absorbers in order to keep shoulders at an almost fixed distance with respect to the floor (that is, keep the shoulders from oscillating vertically). To acquire an elegant look with these steps, it takes approximately two years of training!

During the fifties, Rock'n Roll has revived the "swing aerials", with even greater audacity. Often, outdstanding female partners who execute aerials are fine gymnasts. It takes approximately 4 to 5 years of constant training in Rock'n Roll + aerials to reach a relatively proficient level of execution (the timing is essential). Aerials are a specialty per se. They should never be executed by beginners without qualified instruction and the presence of spotters. This is to protect the female partner from potential injury (she is the one who performs the most difficult acrobatics with the help of her male partner).

I hope this short note is of help.

John G.

Could you let us know which part of the world you are from?

I have heard of Rock n Roll, but only as a European dance.

Spinner, if you are in the United States, what KC has written is most accurate.

Lindy Hop is the "original" swing dance, and like EC and WC swing takes some time to pick up the basics, but is a very versatile and expressive dance. The best thing would be to do an online search for "swing dance" in your area and see if any dance clubs, groups, studios come up.

For instance, if I 'Google' Portland Oregon Swing Dance I come up with the main dance groups in that area.

Some areas will have more of one type of dance style than another. It would be helpful for you to learn the style that is being danced in your area!

Bonnie