The course is suitable for couples and individuals of all ages with average levels of fitness and stamina.
Although preferable, you do not need a partner to attend this course. During each session the gentlemen will be regularly ‘moved on’ to dance with a new partner. In this way everyone will get to practice, dance and benefit from the experience of dancing with different partners. This is provided the balance between couples and individuals is manageable. This will be discussed at Session one.
For the Intermediate Course:
The basic 6 beat/count footwork, around which all the actual moves are based, will initially be taught in non partner separate groups until a level of proficiency is achieved by everyone - usually this is achieved over the first one or two sessions. The group will then come into couples, from session one, to complete the basic combined footwork and holds. Individual moves will then be introduced once the basic footwork and hold have been achieved by everyone.
The tutor will introduce new moves initially by dance demonstration and will then break the move down into logical segments each with a demonstration and description. Each move will be built up progressively at a rate to suit all course members.
Each move will be practiced together by all members, initially without music and then to a suitable tempo track. The tutor will use a standard 'practice routine' comprising a set of simple 'intro' and 'outro' moves with the new move, being learned, 'sandwiched' in between. At the completion of each practice sequence the gentlemen will 'move on' to the next lady in the group until the music finishes. Depending on the complexity of the move and overall group progress it is anticipated that one or two moves will be taught per session.
Finally the individual moves will be progressively linked and incorporated into short sequences and routines for group practice in couples. Freestyle practice periods will be included at the conclusion of each session from about session 4. Some 1:1 help from the tutor and his partner will be available at each session subject to numbers attending and overall group progress.
To break-up each session a 'Stroll' type non partner dance will be taught. This is a popular 1940s dance style vaguely similar in appearance to line dancing. However Strolls predate this later form and are usually performed to slower RnR/R&B/Swing music and are very popular at RNR dance clubs/events. Over the 20 weeks it is anticipated that 2 to 3 Strolls will be taught and will be used to 'warm-up' to at most sessions.
There will be regular 'comfort' breaks throughout all sessions during which course members are advised to drink plenty of water. The actual arrangements will be agreed at the start of each course.
For the Improver's Course:
A similar approach will be used however the Improvers should have
mastered the basic 6 count footwork and have a repertoire of 8 - 10 or
so moves and 4 Strolls.
The Improver's course will revisit some existing moves to refine the technique, execution and consider variations as well as progressively introducing a few new moves and Strolls. Increased emphasis will be placed on being able to incorporate and blend various different moves and holds into longer freestyle sequences.
Entry Requirements: (course level, prior experience, equipment, materials etc required):
Beginner's Course - There is no separate Beginner's Course for this year. However it may be possible to accommodate a small number of beginners within the intermediate course, please contact the tutor here or just turn up to session 1 . Beginners should have a keen interest and enthusiasm for the music from the 1930-50s era and a desire to learn to dance authentic rock n roll in a supportive and fun environment. No previous knowledge or dance experience is required. Average or better levels of fitness and stamina are required, however because of the spinning/turning content of this dance form, especially for the women, anyone with back/spine/neck injuries or problems of dizziness are advised to seek the advice of their doctor before participating. There will be no moves taught involving lifting of partners.
All music and equipment will be provided by the tutor. Learners should wear suitable loose fitting clothing and either dance shoes or lightweight footwear with leather soles – ‘trainer’ type shoes are not suitable and are likely to increase leg and ankle fatigue. Those attending should drink plenty of water during the regular breaks within each session.
For Intermediate's Course - This is a continuation/'follow-on' and those considering attending this course should have either previously completed the WEA’s 'Improvers' Rock n Roll Dancing’ course, or similar syllabus and therefore be familiar with the 6 count footwork [inc ‘back’ or ‘rock’ step] which forms the basis of this dance form. You should also have a small repertoire of RnR moves and a one or two ‘Strolls’.
The course structure will be similar to the description above for the Improver's course held 2009/10 as above.
Any perspective course member who has any concerns about their 'credentials' for joining either of these courses should discuss with the tutor using this email link here.
This page last updated 20 July 2010