Rockabilly: One Music, Many Dances

Cool Cats Rock ‘n’ Roll has had numerous queries over the years as to what Rockabilly dancing is and what the differences are between it and other styles like Swing, Rock ‘n’ Roll, or Jive. In this regard it should be understood that Rockabilly had no set style or structure ‘back in the day’;it was still formative and mixed many different musical and dance influences. These days it would seem that almost anything could be Rockabilly dancing (so long as you wear the right clothes), while everyone has an opinion.

Rockabilly dancing has been interpreted in diverse ways in countries around the world. There are three general forms of Rockabilly that may be identified: Strollin’, Boppin’, and Jivin’. (More information can be found at http://havinsomerockinfun.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/rockabilly-dancingfor-uneducated.html )

•            Strollin’: Rockabilly line dancing, typically performed today in a group but without a partner. However, take a look at this footage for an example of the original stroll – a flirtation dance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrGLNtZ0rEg
•        Boppin’: Solo Rockabilly dance that is quite liberal in structure, with a focus on individual footwork typically using heel-toe tapping variations. In many respects this is not greatly different from social boppin’ to any other music since the 50s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E6H0zynJ8o
•        Jivin’: Is another term used for the partnered dancing of Rockabilly and is often used in synonymous terms to Rock ‘n’ Roll. However, there are distinct differences in style, culture, and footwork to what is recognised as Latin (Ballroom), Swing, or International Jive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7QploMFDLo  

While these descriptions provide a useful framework, what this means in different countries can be remarkably different. While the modern Stroll is fairly universal as a Rockabilly line dance (e.g. compare US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPr12v7LhFY; Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdVgRf8KFqc; AU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyGuFhd_4R0), other forms of Rockabilly dancing do not conform to a globally accepted norm.

Boppin’ is very much about the look AND feel of the dance, which can result in extremes in style and personal interpretation. An almost infamous example are the Harajuku Rockabilly dancers (Japan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Tn2FCvBPA. Less well remembered may be the ‘old school’ Boppin’ footwork in partnered Rockabilly that was evident during the 90s revival (not great footage, but well worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj-tbGafWfA&index=26&list=PLD6BDD9C3E2128050).

Today, partnered Rockabilly dancing draws from many influences and ‘revisions’ that have accrued through the decades. Though Jivin’ is one ‘dance language’, there are as many dialects as there are parts of the world. In many countries it is difficult to extract Rockabilly (as a dance) from Rock ‘n’ Roll and it’s Swing ancestry. This should be no surprise as the dance, like the music, is a mixture of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Hillbilly influences. Consequently, it might be taught with a back step, go up to 6 steps, and move clockwise – though it remains distinctly Rockabilly (i.e. footwork reminiscent of solo Boppin’, typically circular movement, ‘Rockabilly’ style and presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l005SuEiRkQ). Such dance styles are closer to the Swing end of the spectrum and thus bear many resemblances. However, it is not merely a simplified (some may perhaps consider lesser) form of Swing. The “Hillbilly” component should not be forgotten. Rockabilly works in many respects similar to barn dancing or a country two-step, dominated by arm driven figures, and simplified stepping footwork. Such actions are more dominant in the partnered Rockabilly dancing of Australia and parts of Europe (e.g. compare UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEab3v47m0Y; Holland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTCchBQGDP4; AU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1E-D6_srYs&list=PL27AD5B87050F0EDF). There is no singular ‘Rockabilly’ dance style.

In Australia, distinctions have been kept between the styles of Rockabilly, Swing, & Rock ‘n’ Roll. As such, Rockabilly has an individual look when compared with other styles: there is no back-step, it moves in an anti-clockwise direction, and is a 4-beat based dance. While the footwork movements may vary between regions, the arm movements, motion, and characterisation of the dance remain consistent. Those who have been dancing and teaching Rockabilly in Australia for years will recognise it as a distinct style from its predecessors, with critical differences in both technique and form. Rockabilly, for all of the different names and descriptions attached to it, is clearly not just Swing or Rock ‘n’ Roll of a different flavor. That’s what makes it great - and so much fun to do!

For more information on Rockabilly in Australia, the different styles, and some more examples of dancing around the world, please visit http://www.coolcatsrocknroll.com/Rockabilly.php.

Nathan Major is principal of Cool Cats Rock ‘n’ Roll [est. 2003] and a qualified Rockabilly, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Swing dance instructor as recognised by the national sporting body: The ARRDC [Australian Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Council]. He is also a state and national Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll dance competition adjudicator, and former champion competitor, having the privilege to observe Rockabilly performed at the top level across the country for more than a decade.

Nathan keeping an eye on two of his early Rockabilly students, Lou and Erica.