Fast Dancing

1950s Dance Steps – The Fifties gave birth to many a dance craze. The Bop, the Hand Jive, The Stroll, the Calypso. Some of these were the creations of the kids on American Bandstand.

Most of us, however, weren’t quite hip enough to know the very latest, so we went for the basic step.

It’s easy to learn. I’ll show you.

For Him

This is so simple. Step in place with your left foot, heel up, then step again with heel down. Step in place with your right foot, heel up, then step again with heel down. Then back step with your left foot. Return to starting position. The beat is – Touch step, Touch step, back step.

For Her
This is nearly the same as the men’s except that you’re going to start with and go back on your right foot. Step in place with your right foot, heel up, then step again with heel down. Step in place with your left foot, heel up, then step again with heel down. Then back step with your right foot. Return to starting position. The beat is – Touch step, Touch step, back step.
 Gentlemen, your right hand goes on her waist and your left hand holds her right hand, elbows bent, at about shoulder level. Ladies your left hand is on his shoulder, your right in his. That is how Mr.and Mrs. Ambrose taught us in dance class. The proper way. You may, of course, improvise. Hey, I’m your dance teacher – not your mother!

That’s all there is to it. Easy, yes? Okay, then, ready to learn Slow Dancing?
Return to At The Hop

The above are the recollections of my sister Candace.