Every year around this time Warsaw's Stodoła Club hosts the Bill Haley Rock'n'Roll Contest. This year's contest, the 30th, will take place Feb. 15.

The idea for this dance contest for talented amateurs originally came from Stodoła club members Adam Halber and Kazimierz Chendyński. The event was held for the first time Feb. 24, 1981, 15 years after the death of Bill Haley, the performer of the smash hit "Rock Around the Clock," commonly regarded as the precursor of rock'n'roll. Twenty-two couples entered the first competition.

The contest has always been governed by a set of simple rules. The contestants are supposed to dance real rock'n'roll for 60 minutes non-stop. Only one couple can win and the winners receive the Bill Haley Cup. A maximum of 50 couples can enter the contest.

Further details on the Stodoła website. All couples interested in taking part need to submit their entry by e-mail to stodola@stodola.pl or fax 22 825-86-25. The heats will be held on the day of the contest at noon. As usual, a rock'n'roll party will follow the event.

M.B.

Stodoła Club10 Batorego St.
www.stodola.pl
Doors open at 6 p.m.,
contest starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets zl.30 (advanced sales) and 35 (Feb. 15), available at www.ticketpro.pl, www.ticketonline.pl, www.eventim.pl and Stodoła Club ticket office, open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.