February 28, 2016
With the annual Waterhole Rocks festival barely seven and a half months away, the South Burnett’s rock and roll dancing fraternity have kicked off their 2016 training program.
On Sunday afternoon, around 20 dancers gathered at the Heritage Pavilion inside Nanango’s Showgrounds for a two-hour practice session to start learning the dazzling rockabilly dance moves that may win them honours in mid-October.
The dance lessons are being run by rock and roll dance instructors Jackie and Eddie Miller, from Oakey.
From now until Festival day, the couple will be travelling to Nanango every second Sunday to give keen local dancers the benefit of their expertise.
Rockabilly is a subset of rock and roll dancing, and purists disagree about what really differentiates the two styles.
In general, rockabilly is a two-step dance without a backstep, and the footwork is different to rock and roll.
It’s also generally faster, and dancers use a two-handed “monkey grip” to hold their partners rather than a waltz-style grip around the waist and shoulders.
Rockabilly is also perceived to have more ‘attitude’ than rock and roll dancing, and followers are interested in the entire culture of rock and roll – including the cars, the dress and the food – rather than just the dancing.
All the same – whether it’s rockabilly or rock & roll – it’s seen by dancers as an exuberant, fun way to exercise.
And come festival day, many will be dressed up in 1950s and 1960s costumes and hairstyles when they step out on the dance floor to celebrate the golden days of rock and roll.
Instructor Jackie Miller told southburnett.com.au that although she teaches rockabilly dancing, she doesn’t think The Waterhole Rocks would necessarily benefit from booking pure rockabilly bands.
“They can be a bit too fast if you’re in the older demographic,” she said.
“1950s and 1960s rock & roll bands are just fine for the festival, and everyone will have a great time with them.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about rock & roll dancing or would like to join in, the next lesson will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, and then every fortnight thereafter.
Dance fees are $10 per lesson, and there are no age restrictions.
Jackie is also investigating moving the lessons from the Showgrounds to the Nanango Cultural Centre to avoid summer heat and winter chills.
If the lessons relocate, she’ll be announcing it on the group’s Facebook page.
Update March 31: Dance classes have now been relocated to the Nanango Cultural Centre.
Related articles:
- Music Rocks The Waterhole (2015)
- New Dance Floor ‘Just Rocks’ (2014)
- Rockers Gather For A Weekend Of Fun (2013)
- Rock Festival Will Roll On (2012)
