Native American:
Gourd Dance
This dance is usually performed by men. There is a drum in the center of the circle. Dancers are in a circle around the drum, dancing in place. Lift your heels with the beat of the drum, and shake rattles.
Colonist Dance Moves
The colonists were mainly from England and Scotland, so they brought with them their dances from home. Most use circles, weaving, and partner exchanges. You can practice some of the moves:
*Slip steps- "Chasses" moving sideways
*Retire skips- Skip forward or backward
*Skip change of step- Hop, step, step, step
*Courtesies- Girls hold their skirts at the side and bend down
*Bows- Boys put their arms across their middle and bow down
Swing Dance
In the 1920s and '30s, swing dancing was very popular. The Lindy Hop is a fun swing dance. Learn the Lindy Hop Swingout, which is a basic part of this dance:
- Rock step - Take a step back with your full weight, then transfer the weight to your front foot while keeping it in place.
- Triple step - Take a step to your side. Bring your feet together. Take another step to your side.
- Walk
- Walk
- Triple step - Take a step to your side. Bring your feet together. Take another step to your side.
Bunny Hop
This dance was popular in the 1950s. Get in a line with your friends. Each one of you will put your hands on the waist or shoulders of the person in front of you.
- Put your right foot out to the side and then bring it back next to your left foot.
- Put your left foot out to the side and then bring it back next to your right foot.
- Make a small hop forward.
- Make a small hop backward.
- Hop three hops forward.
- Repeat all of the steps!
