THE DANCING - the Beginner's course [not 2010] is a Level one introductory course and is designed for the absolute beginner and therefore requires no prior Rock n Roll dance knowledge. The Intermediate course builds on the moves learned during the Beginner's/Improver's courses.
A love of Rock n Roll music and its roots, in all it's forms from the 1930 - 1950 era and an enthusiasm to learn, progress and importantly have fun, are all the qualifications required.
The obvious difference between a Day School and multi session course is that the Day School, of necessity, should be considered a 'Taster' course involving 5 hrs of reasonably intensive instruction and practice covering the basic 6 count
The Bookham course is run over 20 weekly
sessions of 1.5hrs each, with each week building on the previous and
adding new and variation moves/sequences most weeks until completion,
where upon those attending should have an enhanced appreciation of the
music and a dance repertoire of about 15 RnR moves and about 5 strolls. See ‘Learning Outcome’ section.
The form of RnR dance taught will comprise footwork based on a 6 beat/count step sequence and includes a ‘rock step’ or ‘backstep’. This is very similar to the jive style introduced by the GI’s to the UK during the 1945/49 world war which in turn owes much to the Jitterbug. Open and closed holds will be used. The tutor believes this form to be more interesting and rewarding to learn, more aesthetically pleasing to watch and closer to the authentic RnR styles of the late 1940’s than the 2 beat form which has little to no formal footwork. The 6 beat/count RnR style can be danced to a large variety of 1930’s to 1960’s music including Big Band Swing, R&B, Classic 50’s RnR, Rockabilly, some Jazz, Blues, Bee Bop and Doo Wop etc., all of which we will experience in both courses - see the separate ‘The Music’ section for samples and further details.
In addition to the RnR partner dance instruction and practice we will also include a form of non partner dance, originally popular in the late 1940-
50’s, known as a Stroll. This is generally danced to slower music from
this musical era, is danced in lines [it predates modern line dancing
but is similar in appearance] and is also very popular in today's retro RnR Clubs.
The tutor will provide general advice and basic footwork diagrams and written descriptions, either emailed or as handouts, for all moves, sequences and strolls. These will be made available during the course at the appropriate time.
In addition to the RnR partner dance instruction and practice we will also include a form of non partner dance, originally popular in the late 1940-
The tutor will provide general advice and basic footwork diagrams and written descriptions, either emailed or as handouts, for all moves, sequences and strolls. These will be made available during the course at the appropriate time.