History of Rock and Roll
In the second half of the 1950s, a rock and roll “fever” arriving from the United States swept across Europe. Thanks to many talented dancers whose hearts were captured by the rhythm of rock and roll and whose creativity it sparked, classic rock and roll was born.
In the 1970s, rock and roll once again became one of the most popular dances, but now only in European countries. This period also brought a new, sporting form of the dance, known today as acrobatic (formerly “jumping”) rock and roll.
1964
The first World Championship, held in France with dance couples from the USA taking part.
1972
As a competitive discipline, acrobatic rock and roll comes under two international organizations: the European Rock and Roll Association (ERRA) and the Federation Mondiale de Jazz (FMDJ).
1974
Rock and roll spreads beyond Europe once again (Canada joins), so the international organization governing rock and roll is renamed the World Rock and Roll Association (WRRA).
1984 /01
A single successor organization is founded, today's
WORLD ROCK AND ROLL CONFEDERATION, with 13 member countries that year.
A Look into the History of Czech Rock 'n' Roll
The first-ever acrobatic rock and roll club in Czechoslovakia was the Ballroom Dance Club of the Prague Public Transport Company's House of Culture. It was founded by Karel Pecháček, Ivana Poláčková and Vasil Gjurov.
Rock and roll gradually won fans all over the country, and more clubs were founded, not only in Prague but also, for example, in Plzeň, Ústí nad Labem, Brno, Mladá Boleslav, Karlovy Vary and Bratislava. During this period, acrobatic rock and roll became part of an organization called the Czech Amateur Ballroom Dance Association (ČSAST).
1980 - 1990
1983
The first acrobatic rock and roll competition, held in the small spa town of Mšené.
1984
The year 1984 was a turning point in the history of acrobatic rock and roll in Czechoslovakia.
In terms of organizing competitions, 1984 was a very important year, not only because the number of events held grew, but above all because the first-ever Czechoslovak Championship in acrobatic rock and roll took place. It was held at the Palace of Culture in Prague, with 56 couples taking part. The title of Czechoslovak champions went to Vasil Gjurov and Ivana Poláčková.
1986
The first World Championship in the junior categories is held, with the European Championship following two years later.
1990 - 2000
1990
There are two acrobatic rock and roll federations (Czech and Slovak), united under the name Czechoslovak Acrobatic Rock and Roll Federation.
In the same year, the Czech Republic achieved its first major success on the international stage, thanks to Vasil Gjurov and Jana Petrová, who finished sixth at the World Championship in Lucerne, Switzerland. In their final routine, Vasil G. and Jana P. performed two double somersaults.
1991
Czech rock and roll comes under the so-called Federation of Gymnastic Sports.
1991
The IOC recognized rock and roll as a sport that meets all the criteria for inclusion in the Olympic program.
1993
The Czechoslovak federation is dissolved (following extraordinary general assemblies of ČSAR and SSAR).
1993 /03
The WRRC Board admitted the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic as two new members.
1994
At the World Championship in Bratislava, a Czech couple becomes world champion in category A for the first time: Michaela Večeřová and Roman Kolb.
In the same year, at the World Championship in Lyon (France), the Czech couple Markéta Hilgerová and Radek Věrčák became world champions in the junior category.
1995
WRRC becomes an associate member of a major international organization, the International DanceSport Federation, in a joint effort to bring dance sport into the Olympic Games.
1996
European Championship, France: husband and wife Petr Kordač and Zuzana Kordačová bring home the first European gold for the Czech Republic from Valencia.
1999
Another category is introduced, GIRLS' FORMATION, which is flourishing and keeps gaining more and more fans.
2000 - Present
2001
The first pre-Olympic presentation of rock and roll at the 6th World Games in Akita, Japan, with the Czech couple Zdeněk Adamec and Markéta Hilgerová taking part. Acrobatic rock and roll is a great success there and becomes a regular part of the World Games.
2002
The phenomenal Roman Kolb crowns his career with a fifth world title in Karlsruhe. He won his last title with Kateřina Fialová-Kolbová.
2005
European Championship, Austria: David Kejklíček and Barbora Šemberová became European champions in the pupils category.
2005
For the first time, the Czech Republic (Jihlava) hosts a World Cup and a European Cup in the pupils, junior and B categories.
2006
It was this year that acrobatic rock and roll received the most coverage in the Czech media, national outlets included.
In terms of media coverage, 2006 was a breakthrough year. In total, our sport was shown to the general public for about 415 minutes, a historic record for this sport. The 2005/06 season was one of the most successful ever in the media, thanks not only to TV but also to interviews and competition trailers on the radio and in the press.