What Was Dance Like In The 1960S

The 1960s were a time of great change in many areas of life, and dance was no exception. This decade saw the rise of new styles of dance that were heavily influenced by music, fashion, and social movements. In this article, we'll take a look at what dance was like in the 1960s, including popular styles, key figures, and cultural influences.

Description

Dance in the 1960s was characterized by a sense of freedom and experimentation. Traditional styles like ballroom dancing were still popular, but new forms of dance were emerging that reflected the changing attitudes of young people in the era.

One of the most iconic dance styles of the 1960s was the twist. This simple, repetitive dance involved twisting the hips and arms in time with the music, and it quickly became a hit with young people all over the world. The twist was popularized by artists like Chubby Checker, who had a hit with the song "The Twist" in 1960.

Another popular dance style of the 1960s was the frug. This dance involved a series of sharp, jerky movements that were often performed in a group. The frug was influenced by African American dance styles like the jerk and the boogaloo, and it was often performed to soul and R&B music.

How To

If you want to try dancing like they did in the 1960s, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. First, make sure you have the right music. The twist is usually performed to songs with a simple, upbeat rhythm, while the frug works well with soul and R&B tracks.

Next, practice the basic moves. For the twist, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Then, twist your hips from side to side while moving your arms up and down. The frug is a bit more complicated, but it involves a lot of sharp, jerky movements with the arms and legs.

Finally, don't be afraid to let loose and have fun. Dancing in the 1960s was all about expressing yourself and embracing the moment, so don't worry too much about getting everything perfect.

Step by Step

Here's a step-by-step guide to some of the most popular dances of the 1960s:

The Twist

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
2. Twist your hips from side to side while moving your arms up and down.
3. Repeat the movement in time with the music.
4. Try adding some variation by twisting faster, slower, or in different directions.

The Frug

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
2. Take a step forward with your left foot and jerk your left arm up and your right arm down.
3. Step back with your left foot and repeat the movement with your right arm and left leg.
4. Continue alternating legs and arms, adding in some hip and shoulder movements as you go.

Tips

If you're new to dancing, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start with simple moves and work your way up to more complex ones.
• Practice regularly to improve your coordination and rhythm.
• Watch videos of old dance performances to get a sense of the style and technique.
• Don't worry too much about getting everything perfect – the most important thing is to have fun!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about dancing in the 1960s:

1. What were some other popular dance styles of the 1960s? In addition to the twist and the frug, other popular styles included the pony, the watusi, and the swim.
2. What role did dance play in the social movements of the 1960s? Dance was often used as a form of protest and expression during this era. For example, the Black Power movement embraced African American dance styles like the jerk and the boogaloo as a way to assert their cultural identity.
3. Who were some of the key figures in 1960s dance? Chubby Checker, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin were all influential performers who helped to popularize new styles of dance in the 1960s.

Hair Care

If you're trying to create an authentic 1960s look for your dance performance, you'll need to pay attention to your hair as well as your moves. Popular hairstyles of the era included the beehive, the bouffant, and the mod cut.

To create a beehive, start by teasing the hair at the crown of your head to create volume. Then, smooth the top layer of hair over the teased section and pin it in place. Use hair spray to keep everything in place, and add a hair accessory like a headband or ribbon for extra flair.

For a bouffant, tease the hair at the crown of your head as before, but then smooth the sides and back of your hair down and pin them in place. Use a curling iron to create loose waves at the ends of your hair, and finish with a spritz of hairspray to hold everything in place.

The mod cut is a bit simpler – just part your hair down the middle and cut it straight across at chin length. Add some volume with hairspray or mousse, and you're ready to hit the dance floor!