Rock & Roll dancing

Rhythm and blues got its roots from the big band swing era from the 30's and the 40's. Together rhythm and blues and country and western music formed a solid base for what later would be called rock 'n roll music.

The home of this new style of music was in New Orleans where rhythm and blues orchestras accompanied artists like Fats Domino and Little Richard. The birth of Rock 'n Roll as we know it today took place in the mid 50's with white artist like Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. The DJ Alan Freed for radio station WJW, during the program "Moondog Show" called the music Rock 'n Roll for the first time. He played lots of rhythm and blues on his show for all the young people who were tired of the popular music of the moment.

These kids preferred the 2/4 time with the accent on the last count and the raspy sounding voices and they were crazy about the way the artists looked and how they moved on stage. The movements of the artists became the basic of inspiration for what is called the boogie woogie.

We call it Street Rock 'n roll just like they used to dance in my Mom's kitchen.

The Lindy Hop is an 'Authentic Jazz Dance' originating in the 1920's and 30's. The name of the dance originated in 1927 when Charles Lindbergh successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in his airplane 'the Spirit of St. Louis’. Headlines from the event read 'Lindy Hops the Atlantic' Because of these headlines the black Americans dancing to the live Big Bands in the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York named their dance the 'Lindy Hop'. The Charleston and tap dance steps in combination were the influences for the Lindy. In 1935 the Caucasian population was first introduced to Swing music by Bennie Goodman and his orchestra. Due to the racial differences of the times, the name 'Jitterbug' was introduced. During World War II the American soldiers brought the dance to Europe. Because of the lack of musicians for an entire 'Big Band' smaller groups were formed and their music was called 'Rhythm and Blues'. The Lindy was modified to fit the new music and evolved into what would be called 'Rock and Roll' and the 'Ballroom Jive'.

 

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the Lindy Hop all over the world. Here in the Netherlands though the group is small the numbers are steadily increasing.

Here at Jive 55 we have a tremendously enthusiastic group. Workshops are attended in conjunction with DSDS (Dutch Swing Dance Society) members in Sweden, Germany, England and in the future even the United States. The Lindy Hop is danced to jazz/big band/swing music. The dance is loose, smooth and is performed in a semi crouched position. Unlike the Lindy, the 'Rock 'n Roll' is danced to Rhythm an Blues music and is danced in a upright position.

If you are interested in more information regarding these dance styles come, observe, and speak with the instructors.

Hans and Sandra Rock 'n Roll

Richard en Yvonne and Anita and Michael Lindy Hop.