Homecoming!

[50'sHomecomingGirl]

:D Hi I'm new to this website, but I really need some help. For the homecoming at my school my class' theme is the 50's. And I know that swing dance was popular then but I would like to know if there are any simple yet fun and interesting swing moves I could help teach to my class so we all can join in and make the lip 'sync more fun. And if there is anything about the 50's that anyone can share please do so! Thanks very much!

[Sagitta]

Welcome 50'sHomecomingGirl!! :D

Are we talking of people who don't know to dance at all, or are we assuming a little dance experience? It can make a big difference in how simple the moves need to be. Also how long do you have to teach the moves? And do you have any particular songs in mind, or are you looking for recommendations?

[pygmalion]

Hi 50'sHomecomingGirl! Welcome.

Our resident dance historian, d nice, can probably help recommend a historically accurate dance of the period.

[50'sHomecomingGirl]

Homecoming is on February 6th. And I was thinking about the song Jonny Be Goode, because it has a good 30 sec just music in the middle of the song that we could get a simple yet fun to watch dance together durning that time! But yeah if there are any other really good songs that ya'll could suggest the that would be awesome!!!! :D Thanks!

[Swing Kitten]

I would recommend the twist and hand-jive -- they're fun, simple, and high schoolie

(check out some movies based in the period too-- when most folk think of 50's they think of Grease :shrug:)

[d nice]

Swing Kitten has the right idea of it. Check out the movies of the time period and those that are set in it.

No need to worry about historical authenticity, having fun is far more important. Any of the dance steps out of Grease work... for that fact same with Back to the Future, all of the Bill Haley movies (Don't Knock the Rock, Rock Around the Clock, etc.) work... all the dance steps are pretty easy, though some of the tricks can be a bit difficult. The Jack Rabbit Slim Twist Contest moves from Pulp Fiction work great too. Personally I'd recommend renting Hairspray and taking some of the dance steps from there... especially the Madison. The Madison kicks butt. There is a song that goes to it, Ray Bryant Trio "Hollywood Jazz Beat" has the song, though you might want to buy the Hairspray Soundtrack since it will have a number of songs you could play during the dance (Besides Madison Time, my favorite is Shake Your Tail Feather, and yes Nelly, Murphy Lee, and P. Diddy got the title of their song from this one).

The partnered dance you are looking for is Jitterbug or East Coast Swing. any version will work, but if you are a group of same sex students doing the lypsyncing you might want to stick with the solo stuff, just as fun and generally easier to learn.

Good luck, and have fun!

If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.