by yana

Dancing is an integral part to most subcultures; ska is no exception to this rule. As a matter of fact, dancing plays a large role in the Ska subculture. Why? Ska was originally played at clubs and dancehalls in Jamaica. These spaces provided Jamaicans with the opportunity to dance the night away, as well as hearing the latest releases from their favorite stars.

As you have guessed from the title this article, we will explore other methods of dancing besides the played-out skanking and most other tactics utilized by today's teens. First of all there should be a strong internal rhythm that corresponds to the beat of the music. In other words, you must really feel the music with your soul. Another important thing to remember is that one should always apply & maintain one's own style to every dance technique, whether it's skanking or jiving. Originality can put you on top - try not to do what everyone else is doing. A mix & match approach is always good. For instance, don't spend all your time doing the same repetitive move. Just as the songs differ, so should your dancing.

Moves from the late fifties to the late sixties include "The Peppermint Twist" (over 100's of different versions), "The Dog", "The Hitch Hike", "The Shake", & "The Monkey". These are American Soul based, but were popularized by the mods in the U.K. at this time. Other dances such as "The Reggae", "The Ska", & "Kingston Head Roll" are rooted in Jamaica. All these methods are valid when dancing to Ska/Rocksteady.

I will only describe and provide visual aid for a few of these dances. If I was to describe them all, you'd probably get a bit bombarded & confused by all the information. For those of you who are ambitious, try throwing in some spins, head rolls, or side slides. These are just a couple of tips to help you get some style. Don't forget, real dancing comes from the heart and if you truly enjoy the music you'll always come out on top.

The Dog
  1. Feet apart, with slightly bent knees. Arms a bit bent and extended in front of you.
  2. Jump so you are facing front (in same position) with your arms which remain bent with clenched fists. Move them up and down to the beat of the music. Do the same with your body.
  3. Continue motions while going lower until your arms are below your arse.
  4. Continue motions upwards until your fists reach past your shoulders.
  5. Jump to the side and repeat.
The Hitch-hike
  1. Feet slightly apart, very slightly bent knee, arms loose by side, clenched fists with thumb sticking up (thus called the Hitch Hike)
  2. Alternate arms over your shoulders and move your hips from side to side quickly.
  3. Jump to side remaining in same position.
  4. Repeat motions of arms and hips.
  5. Then jump so you are facing front and repeat the same motions.
The Ska
  1. Crouch down low with feet slightly apart with bent knees and bent arms.
  2. Move arms as if you were skanking (up and down like robot, but with more feeling than a robot) and raise one knee and one leg.
  3. Put leg down, then move arms in skank motion while going lower.
  4. Come up with the other leg and knee.
  5. Repeat step 2.

*Mod - Sharp dressed, middle classed, pill popping, soul dancing, scooter riding, artsy youth.