Rock 'n' Roll in Germany

What is Rock 'n' Roll and Where Does It Come From?

Who doesn't know the song "Rock around the clock" by Bill Haley? This mega-hit marked the breakthrough for Rock 'n' Roll in the 50s. With its unusual rhythm and mostly sexual messages, Rock 'n' Roll became the protest music of the youth. The possible spread of rock music through radio, broadcasting, records, film, and television in the 50s contributed to the global dissemination of rock music and, consequently, Rock 'n' Roll. Through various radio shows, white youths in the era of segregation in the USA were able to intensively listen to the black-influenced Rock 'n' Roll for the first time. Born in America, it eventually swept into Germany. The frenzy began, and the youth danced here too, freeing themselves from the tight societal norms and rigid dances of their parents.

Rock and roll first dance songs

Classic Rock Ballads:

• "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams: This timeless power ballad expresses unwavering love and dedication, making it a popular choice for couples seeking a heartfelt first dance.

• "Always" by Bon Jovi: A declaration of eternal love with a rock edge, "Always" is a crowd-pleaser for couples who want a romantic yet spirited first dance.

• "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith: This emotional ballad with soaring vocals captures the feeling of wanting to cherish every moment with your loved one, making it a touching choice for a first dance.

Upbeat Rock Tracks:

• "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC: This iconic rock anthem is perfect for couples who want to inject some energy and fun into their first dance. Just imagine swaying and twirling to the powerful guitar riffs and Angus Young's electrifying solo!

• "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi: This singalong classic with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics is sure to get everyone moving and create a truly memorable first dance moment.

• "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison: This upbeat and groovy tune with its catchy chorus is a great choice for couples who want a lighthearted and fun first dance.

Modern Rock Ballads

• "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls: This emotional ballad with its poignant lyrics and powerful vocals is a beautiful choice for couples who want a heartfelt and meaningful first dance.

• "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton: This classic rock love song with its gentle melody and romantic lyrics is a timeless choice for a first dance.

• "Time of Your Life" by Green Day: This optimistic and uplifting song with its powerful message about living in the moment is a great choice for couples who want a positive and celebratory first dance.

Rock n roll dance costume

Rock and roll dance costumes are all about expressing your individual style and personality through bold colors, eye-catching embellishments, and comfortable yet dynamic designs

For Women:

• Dresses: The most popular option, featuring a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that allows for freedom of movement. Skirts can be short and flared for a playful look, or longer and gathered for a more dramatic effect.

• Materials: Lightweight and breathable fabrics like satin, chiffon, or crepe are ideal for allowing you to move freely and comfortably.

• Colors: Bright and eye-catching colors like red, blue, green, or yellow are common. Sequins, beads, and other embellishments can add sparkle and glamour.

• Shoes: Closed-toe dance shoes with a heel height of 1.5-2 inches are recommended for stability and support.

For Men

• Tailcoats: A traditional option, offering a sophisticated and elegant look.

• Tuxedos: A more modern alternative, providing a clean and polished appearance.

• Shirts: Typically white or another light color, with a fitted cut and wing collar.

• Trousers: Black or another dark color, made from a lightweight and flexible fabric.

• Shoes: Black dance shoes with a slight heel and a good grip are essential.

General Tips:

• Comfort and fit: The costume should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion without restricting movement.

• Style: Choose a style that flatters your body type and complements your personality.

• Coordination: Ensure your costume complements your partner's outfit for a cohesive look.

• Regulations: If competing, check for any specific dress code regulations for your competition.

Rock and roll dance styles

Rock and roll dance styles encompass various forms, both traditional and modern. The two main types of rock and roll dance are:

• 4-beat Rock (also known as four on the floor or four to the floor): This style is easier to learn and is more closely related to the original rock and roll dances of the 1950s. It is characterized by simple footwork and basic steps.

• 6-beat Rock (also known as 6-beat swing or Lindy Hop): This style is more technical and requires a higher level of skill. It is based on the 6-beat rhythm and involves more complex footwork and acrobatics.

Additionally, there is Acrobatic Rock and Roll, which is a high-performance, competitive form of rock and roll dance that originated from Lindy Hop. It is characterized by acrobatic elements such as lifts, jumps, throws, and flips.

Other popular dance styles that emerged from rock and roll include:

• Jitterbug (also known as Jive): This dance style is a fast-paced variation of swing that was popular in the 1950s.

• Boogie Woogie: This dance style is a variation of swing that is associated with rock and roll music. It is characterized by its energetic and driving rhythms.

Love, Sex and Rock 'n' Roll!

But not only back then, even today, Rock 'n' Roll continues to captivate both older and younger generations. The dance exhilarates like few others with its speed and sometimes almost acrobatic elements. The wide skirts and suspenders, the hairstyles, and the incredible joy of life that this dance, the music, and the community bring attract both young and old. It can hardly be wild enough. The basic step itself is usually quickly learned. Additionally, for those with talent and ambition, the dance style can be expanded and refined with numerous elements and figures. If hobby dancing is no longer enough, there is also the opportunity to start a competitive dancer career in Rock 'n' Roll.

Dance, Dance, Dance

However, to put a hot sole on the dance floor to rock music, Rock 'n' Roll must first be learned. In many dance courses, it is mandatory to register as a couple to ensure that no one stands alone in the dance class. Finding a dance partner is often challenging, especially when no enthusiastic dancer can be found in your own circle of friends. The search for a dance partner is easy on Lets-Dance. The German-language dance partner matchmaking is a platform for everyone in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland looking for a dance partner. With registration, you can create your own profile. In it, you can specify, for example, which dances you like to dance and at what level you do it. Through the profile, you can hopefully find a dance partner who lives in your city, dances the same dances as you, and even understands you superbly.