Fifties Rock and Roll: The Twist and the Madison

Students learn two group dances from late-1950s rock and roll: the Twist, danced solo, and the Madison, a called line dance. It builds rhythm, memory for sequences, and awareness of the history of popular music.

How to play

1. Spend 2 minutes introducing 1950s rock and roll and why these dances were done without a partner. Set cones in a grid so every student has a home spot.
2. Teach the Twist: rotate hips and heels while the upper body twists the other way, like drying off with a towel. Add levels (high, middle, low) and one foot in the air for 4 minutes.
3. Teach the Madison base step in 8 counts: step forward, tap, step back, tap, then three side steps and a clap. Practice for 5 minutes in lines.
4. Introduce two calls: "Box!" (four-step square) and "Jackie!" (arm pose). When the caller shouts it, the whole class does it on the next eight counts and returns to the base step.
5. Practice for 5 minutes with calls coming closer together. Then a different student is the caller each song, in groups of 6 arranged in lines.
6. Finale: the whole class dances one song with the Twist on the chorus and the Madison on the verses (4 minutes).

Rules

• Each student uses their cone as a reference point to avoid collisions during side steps.
• Do the Twist with bent knees and without straining the lower back.
• The caller calls loudly and one eight-count ahead.
• Keep dancing the base step even if you miss a call.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the Twist with torso and arms and the Madison by rolling the wheelchair forward and back.
• Hearing impairment: the caller holds up a colored card with each call.
• Lower skill level: slow down the music and practice the base step without the clap.

Learning goals

• Perform the Twist and the Madison while staying on the beat.
• Respond quickly to calls by switching sequences.
• Connect these dances to their era and social context.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music
• speakers: 1
• cones: 25

Teacher tip

The Madison makes more sense if you dance it in front with your back to the group. Pick songs with a very clear beat that aren't too fast to start.

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