Music can be a positive influence in that it can help cultivate and develop the individual skills of the musicians and listening audience. First, the exposure to different human emotions, ideas, concepts, music, and literature styles provides an educational opportunity. Second, the process used to select and choose musical preferences can help develop decision making skills needed to establish individual identity and independence. Third, the material and selection process may help to develop individual talents, skills, and areas of interest. For some, music may become a talent to explore, a hobby, or an area of interest. Whether taken separately or collectively, all these factors can promote personal growth.
Another way music can be positive is that can be used to promote social opportunities. Music can be used to bring together individuals with common interests and be used to promote social interaction and atmosphere, such as music for dancing.
Dancing is one of the most enjoyable aspects of music because it allows for audience participation. Throughout rock and roll history, dance fads have always been popular. In fact, rock and roll started primarily as dance music to wilder and more complex versions of the Lindy and Jitterbug.
In the 1960s, swing dancing was replaced by "free form" dancing, which gained popularity because it was easy to do and did not require a dance partner. Several popular dance fads emerged such as the Twist, the Stroll, the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, the Jerk, the Monkey, the Pony, and the Boogaloo. The 1970s and 1980s brought forward such dance crazes as Boogying, the Bump, the Pogo, Slam dancing, and Break dancing.
Although these free form styles of dancing are fun and exciting, one of America’s lost art forms and social activities that would be great to see a revival of is "swing dancing." There is not a better form of social activity than swinging on a hard wood floor with a friend, loved one, or polite stranger.
Today’s contemporary fashionably conscious people have no idea of the adventure, fun, and pleasure they are missing with: the East Coast Swing, Charleston, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Jive, Jitterbug, Shag, Contra, Hand Dancing, Salsa, Tango, Meringue, Mambo, Cha Cha, Rumba, Polka, Fox Trot, Waltz, Country Two-Stepping, and the Hustle. It is never too late to learn.
Maybe not all of it is rock and roll, but think of it as a broadening experience and new adventure in life. With a little bit of practice, some patience, and a fun attitude, anybody can learn to dance. Besides being fun and providing social opportunities, dancing is good exercise, promotes self expression, and promotes good esteem.
This category pays tribute to rock and roll dance music. Shall we dance?