The 1950s saw the rise of popular dances beyond waltzes and swing, thanks to American Bandstand. The Twist, Jitterbug, Cha-cha, and Lindy Hop were group dances, while the Stroll was a line dance. The music and dance of the 1950s expressed the growth and rebellion of America’s youth, leading to the birth of “dirty dancing.” Elvis Presley was among the musical talents of the time.
Wearing poodle skirts with petticoats and saddle shoes, the dancers of the 1950s performed a variety of dances that went far beyond the “passable” waltzes and swing dances of previous decades. The dances of the 1950s are largely immortalized due to the popular television show American Bandstand, hosted by Dick Clark, which aired beginning in the early 1950s. While the program featured many well-known artists, it was just as well known for creating dance fads.
One of the most popular dances of the 1950s was the Twist. This infamous dance inspired the song — first released by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters but made famous by ChubChecker in 1960 — of the same name, and could be seen regularly on American Bandstand. Many of the most popular dances of the 1950s, such as the Jitterbug, Cha-cha and Lindy Hop, were considered group dances rather than partner dances. Perhaps of all the popular dances of this decade, whether single, partner or group, the Stroll is the easiest to recognize.
The Stroll is a variation of the line dance. Groups of dancers stood in opposite rows facing each other, with a wide aisle between them. Although everyone danced, they were the end dancers of each line progressing from the start of the line to the end right in the middle, showing off every move they could have. Thus, as the name of the dance indicates, the dancers took turns strolling along the central lane. Revisiting the scene from the classic musical Grease, in which Rydell High School was invited to perform at the American Bandstand, will reveal just how the Stroll was done.
Musical talents who lent their voices and style to the accompaniment of 1950s popular dances included The Andrews Sisters, Eddie Fisher and, of course, Elvis Presley, among others. The 1950s were a time of growth and rebellion among America’s youth, and many of the popular dances were an expression of that. By the time Elvis appeared on stage swinging his hips regularly, the seed that would grow into “dirty dancing” had been planted. Much to the chagrin of many parents, the music and dance of the 1950s spawned a new style and voice for America’s youth.
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