Partner Rock and Roll: Kick, Kick, Rock Step

Students learn a simplified rock and roll basic: two kick ball changes and a rock step over six counts, first solo and then with a partner in a one-hand hold. Since it's a high-energy dance, it's a great chance to monitor intensity with heart rate and the Borg scale.

How to play

1. Solo basic at half tempo: kick ball change, kick ball change, rock step (5 min).
2. Take a 15-second pulse count after the warm-up; everyone writes it down (2 min).
3. In pairs with roles of their choice, each in its own cone zone: basic with a one-hand hold and a place change (7 min).
4. Add the follower's underarm turn and link it with the place change (6 min).
5. Full song at real tempo; afterward, take the pulse and compare it with the earlier one and with the Borg scale (5 min).

Rules

• Keep kicks low, below your partner's knee, and always forward.
• No acrobatics, lifts or throws.
• Partner changes between songs are voluntary.
• Each pair dances inside its cone zone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: marks the kicks with the arms and torso and turns the wheelchair on the place change.
• Overweight or low fitness: swaps kicks for heel taps and dances at half tempo.
• Asthma: keeps the inhaler nearby and alternates a fast song with a slow one.

Learning goals

• Perform the rock and roll basic with coordination and rhythm.
• Monitor dance intensity using heart rate and the Borg scale.
• Dance with a partner using switchable roles and respectful contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1
• cones: 30
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

Rock and roll is very intense: let each pair choose a slow or fast song. The cone zones keep pairs from drifting into each other.

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