[What is Ceroc ?][How Does It Work ?][The Five Stages of Ceroc]
[Venue Information][Cerocshops][Teaching Rota]
The question I get asked most often by people who haven't a clue what I'm wittering on about is "What is Ceroc ?". The following description is a combination of descriptions I have seen in various places.
So what is Ceroc ?
It is a partner dance, a cross between rock and roll and jive. The man leads, i.e. signals the moves to the lady. No footwork is specifically taught, its just from the waist up. Music - ideal Ceroc music is your average disco/rock & pop track, anything reasonably fast with a distinct beat. Personally, I prefer the jazz/blues and swing type music but the important thing is you get a mix and you can dance it to pretty much everything from Glen Miller to M People, Louis Jordan to Michael Jackson and Jools Holland to The Rednecks.
It is easy to learn. And it looks good too! Most people achieve a reasonable standard of competence within three months or less. Aside from the dancing, its also a very very good way to meet people and make new friends.
Also described as a blend of fifties jive, rock 'n' roll and Dirty Dancing (especially the way I do it!). Other descriptions are available:
How Does It Work ? (with thanks to the Ceroc Scotland web site)
Ceroc is a franchised operation, registered as Ceroc Enterprises in London. Mike Ellard is the director/franchisor, with George acting as 'Head of Dance'. Consequently the format is pretty much standard wherever you go, although the start and finish times do vary slightly from venue to venue.
IMPORTANT: With Ceroc, you do not have to
- Turn up with a partner. You can come on your own, or with a group of friends. Everyone dances with everyone else so you won't get left out.
- Turn up every week. Obviously it helps if you can come regularly and/or practice in between but you do not have to sign up for a x weeks course. If you miss a week or two then it's no problem. The beginners class is designed to cover all twenty-one beginner moves (sixteen plus variations) over about six weeks and then it repeats so you can always catch up on anything you've missed - or just ask the Taxi Dancers or teacher!
- Have any previous dance experience whatsoever!
A Ceroc night starts punctually with a beginners class of 45 minutes. You will learn about four moves that are surprisingly simple (honest!). At virtually all the nights there are 'Taxi Dancers' on hand who will be able to go through the moves with you and provide useful hints so that you will soon be dancing with style and confidence.
There is then a short break of about 15 mins, followed by the more challenging Intermediate class. This is an ideal time for Beginners to sit back and watch whilst having a drink at the bar. We normally recommend that you should have completed around six Beginners classes comfortably before attempting to move up to the Intermediate level. After about 30 minutes the Intermediate class is over and your night out really starts when the Ceroc DJ takes command of the 'Freestyle Session'. This is up to an hour and a half of pure uninterrupted dance where you can improve your Ceroc style and soak up the atmosphere... It's addictive!
The Stages of Ceroc (thanks to Robert Pepper)
Most people go through the following stages:
The "Are you serious" Stage
"What ? Rock and roll dancing ? Yeah right, so what do we do dress up as the Fonz or something ? How about a nice beer, that'll take your mind off it" "Dance ? Who, me ? No way...." "...I'd be no good" "...I'm too macho and that's for girls and dainty pouffy people with high pitched voices" "...I can't dance"
The "Wow !" Stage
"Amazing ! Now I have seen Ceroc I am truly amazed ! All those people having so much fun. I never knew this existed. Why didn't you tell me before ? You knew I'd like this ! What sort or a friend are you anyway ? Excuse me, do you want to dance ? Please ???"
The "I'll never do it" Stage
"I'll never do this. All those moves, so quickly. And I got stepped on today. Everyone is so good at this. I'm the world's worst Ceroc'er. No, I'm the worst Ceroc'er in the history of the world. And probably the worst in the future too. If Terminator 4 came back through time from the 29th Century he'd say they still haven't found a worse Ceroc'er than me."
"I am so embarrassed about dancing with people. I just waste the time of the good people because I can't lead/follow/think of new moves/stay upright/hear the beat/look like I'm having fun. I really feel bad for just daring to even exist in the same room as these superhuman dance machines."
"And if I dance with someone the same level as me then I don't learn anything and don't help them to improve either. Who CAN I dance with ?" Answer - anyone !
The "Dammit I wish I didn't have to eat, sleep or drink so I could spend more time Cerocing Stage"
"What do you mean you don't want to dance tonight ? Come on, its only the 8th consecutive night. Are you a Real Ceroc'er or what ????? And I'm dying to practice my new move, you know the quadruple spin with a half nelson backhander return Wurlitzer baked bean hatchback sway comb, hairdryer and cherry on top. Plus I want to see if I can get through the entire evening without repeating a move, well maybe variations only...."
The "Ceroc is Cool" Stage
"Ceroc ? Yeah, cool dance. I go once a week or so, mainly to see friends. Good exercise too, great place to meet people and lots of fun. Why don't you come down one evening ? It's rock and roll dancing..."
So now you know. Takes on average about four months to work through the whole cycle. For new people, remember the following :
The person you are dancing with was new once too. Even if they act like they have forgotten. Ceroc is not about pure dance perfection. Its about F U N. And quite often that means getting things wrong and laughing about it. Its quite possible for a couple of widely differing experience to have much more fun than two very good dancers. Ceroc really is very easy to learn. Attend once a week, and within a month you'll be dancing with a first-timer you'll be amazed at how much more you know than they do. Even the worst dances only last till the end of the record... Ceroc is deservedly renowned for being friendly. But there are exceptions. If you meet one, don't tar us all with the same brush. Women can ask men to dance Men can refuse ;-) Talk to people. Sometimes it feels like its just non-stop dancing, no social interaction. Do you feel this way ? Then start interacting, someone has to !
Again, credit to Robert Pepper. Mail him on robert@netcat.co.uk
