1950"S Music and Dance Essay Example

Life in the 1950s was meant for fun, excitement, and innovation, especially in the areas of music and dance. After the World War II, people’s life began to prosper as well as the economy. People started to gain more access to things they want, and teenagers and young adults desperately wanted something new, cool, and exciting. The era of 1950s was the creation of rock and roll-the most popular music of the time. It is a blend of the Southern blues, gospel, country music, and a strong back beat. Also, country and western music were quite popular, and their popularity must be credited to the artists who sang them heartfully. As rock and roll displayed a different beat and mood, the styles of the dance also changed, and varied from place to place. The styles differed from low and smooth, wild and angular, and constant swing moves to dancing with steps without swing. *Influences on Dance Styles: -Music: rock’n’roll -Rebellious teenagers created different styles of dance and names for them (Ex. Jitterbug, Swing, Lindy & Bop) -African Americans were main sources for new styles -TV shows (ex. American Bandstand) encouraged teen to dance by playing DJ music

*Popular Dances -Swing: 1) An extension of 1940’s Jitterbug and swing 2) Danced with partners 3) Differences were made to swing from 1940s by 1950s’ teens + dancing steps were changed to match rock music + fewer swing moves + fancier; switching dancing moves + an addition of cha-cha rhythm -The Stroll 1) A style of swing and often done by girls 2) Two lines of dancers with an open space in between 3) Lead dancers do the solo dance while partners dance forward with patterns 4) Dance routine stays the same through out the music, and partners