United States, 1940s-50s
ROCK'N'ROLL
The acrobatic dance of the 50s
Danced Rock'n'roll took shape in the United States in the late 1940s and exploded in the 1950s, to the music of Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. It derives from Lindy Hop and Jitterbug, with a simplified, more acrobatic vocabulary, adapted to faster tempos and to a young audience fascinated by the new teenage culture.
In France and Europe, it conquered the cellar clubs of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 1950s and became the symbol of a joyful revolt against bourgeois order. Since the 1980s, the French Federation of Acrobatic Rock'n'roll has codified its competitive version, one of the most spectacular in the world.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
Rock'n'roll is danced as a couple, to music at 160-200 BPM. The basic step is a six-count step ("rock step" plus two triple steps), simplified to 4 counts in some schools. The couple alternates between closed and open frames, with many turns.
Styles and fundamentals
Two worlds coexist. Social Rock'n'roll (danced at balls) has no acrobatic figures, with a rich vocabulary of passes, turns, and position changes. Acrobatic Rock'n'roll (competition) incorporates jumps, lifts, and acrobatics, with intense choreographic work (often 2 to 4 minutes of performance).
Main figures
- 01
Basic step
A rock step (back and return) followed by two lateral triple steps. The founding step of Lindy and its offspring, Rock'n'roll.
- 02
Partner turn
A vuelta for the follower, guided by a raised hand. Chained in series, it produces the characteristic visual effect.
- 03
American pass
The follower passes under the leader's arm and changes side. The basis of the entire couple vocabulary.
- 04
Kick step
A low kick with a slight jump, inherited from Boogie-Woogie and the Charleston.
- 05
Aerial
An acrobatic figure: the leader throws or passes the follower over him. Reserved for competitive acrobatic Rock'n'roll.
Reading the music
Classic 1950s Rock'n'roll (Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis), Boogie-Woogie (Big Joe Turner) and modern neo-rockabilly tracks (Brian Setzer Orchestra).
Did you know?
Explore the rhythms
Same family
Retro
Cross connections
Styles from other families that share a common language with Rock'n'roll.