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

I, personally, have never heard of a particular 'rock'n'roll' dance. There's nothing here in the Pacific NW anyway.

Most people dance a triple-time swing to rock'n'roll music, i.e. Bob Segar's "Old Time Rock'n'Roll" or Van Morrison's "Sweet Home Chicago". The West Coast Swingers also will dance to these tunes.

I would advise learning Triple-time Swing FIRST. Then progress into Single-time. Besides being a little different basic, it can be a real aerobic workout! :) Or, if you like "disco" type music, learn 4-count swing. It is extremely easy dance to learn & also very versatile.

Best of luck to you.

There are two competitve versions of R'n'R. (By the way for those still in disbelief try to search for the world R'n'R organiztion on google.)
The so called footwork has jumps, kicks, spins, turns, but no acrobatics. The acrobatic R'n'R has throws, lifts and some really breathtaking stunts like when the man bends forward (initially facing his partner), the lady jumps above his head, he reaches back behind his legs and grabs her neck just in time to pull her through between his feet. Takes about 1.5 second .

Now, what people used to do as R'n'R and you see in old movies was a prelude to these now competitive form. There is a dance called Boogie-Woogie which is very similar in character and better fits to social dancing (no jumping, not that much sweat) you may find it under Lindy hop in some people's dictionary.

In this dance you do either kick or tap with, than step on the left foot then same with the right followed by a back rock with the left. (Lady mirrors.) The difference with acrobatic R'n'R is that in R'n'R you do a little hop on the standing leg just before the kicks.

You can switch between taps and kicks as you wish and can even add some hops once in a while (best if matcing the musical phrase).

It is a fun dance andmuch more enrgetic than swing. Looks better too IMHO.

Matyas
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Hi
I am curious toknow more abt rock-n-roll.I know the site www.rockroll.com.au dedicated to rock-n-roll but it talks abt 6 count rock-n-roll.If there r different types of rock-n-roll dances.here in india there is total confusion abt rock-n-roll. what is rock-n-roll in its true form
Thank u.

I have a Paul Bottomer book on rock and roll, he is from Europe. He teaches it as single time swing, but in a very upright position.

A lot of rock and roll music is excellent for swing and even a lot of the songs are from the original swing era. Rock and Roll songs are frequently played at the ballroom dances we go to, more than swing music from the original swing era.

John G. You are correct in what you wrote. Genuine Rock and Roll, usually
the man is of a very athletic build, and the lady as light as a feather probably with gymnastic training. Some of the moves, unless things have changed, can only be performed in a final. This came in a few years ago when a lady was killed coming from way up and was supposed to go through the legs and didn't. I think the name Rock and Roll is patented. In other words no other organisation could use the name and claim it as a World Championship. Nobody in there right mind would do that style of dancing at a Social evening. They would soon be shown the door.

I suppose it depends on where you live. In Australia there is Rock and Roll which is a simplified form of Jive. It is popular and is danced at a lot of dances instead of Jive, which is danced to the same music.

I don't know if that is the same as Swing, EC or WC, for I have never seen that danced at dances. Maybe someone can explain these american terms.