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Music & Dance

The fifties were a time for sockhops, jazz, and rock-n-roll. So snap your fingers and tap your feet to the beat, and continue your trip through fiftiesville. Please feel free to view our attempt at swing dancing at the bottom of the page.

Music

The 1950s brought about a completely different type of music. This music was known as “Rock and Roll” and was different from anything Americans were used to. It was up beat and fun to dance to. Some of the popular rockers at the time included: Elvis, The Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly. Click HERE to view a collection of popular songs from the decade.

Dance

During the 1950s American Bandstand was a very popular TV show that pretty much set the dance styles for the time. The Bandstanders themselves referred to their dance style as “fast dancing,” however, many other people referred to it as Lindy, Jitterbug, or Rock ‘N’ Roll. Depending on who you talked to, the same dance style had many different names but they were generally the same thing. You may be wondering where the Bandstanders learned how to do the dance. The answer is from older siblings, parents, and peers. And of course once the Bandstanders were on television they taught their moves to the entire nation. The 1950s was a time of fast-paced and fun dancing that was popular among all ages. Click HERE for dance descriptions.