Swing Dance

Swing dance is an umbrella term for a variety of related dances, most of which are used interchangeably within single songs. These dances were created during the 1920’s and were used consistently into the 50’s and 60’s, though they are still popular today. More advanced forms of swing will use aerials, or throws and dramatic jumps between partners, but the basic forms are easy to learn and master. The most common type of swing dance is the Lindy Hop, which is more difficult but considered the most traditional swing dance. Two other common forms of swing include East Coast Swing and the Charleston. All three are discussed in their most basic forms below.

Steps

Dance the Lindy Hop

  1. Start with both feet at the center. The following steps will be for the lead.
  2. Take a rocking step backwards. With your left foot, step backwards, rocking your weight onto your left foot.
  3. Step back with a quarter turn. As you step back to starting position, go forward and make a quarter turn to face the right.
  4. Bring your feet together.
  5. Take a step to the left, turning slightly in the same direction.
  6. Place your right foot behind your left.
  7. Pivot on both feet to turn your body, bringing both feet to be side by side and even.
  8. Take two steps to the right.
  9. Repeat, beginning with the rockstep.
  10. The follower will take the same steps, mirrored to fit with the lead.
  11. Add flourishes. Make the dance more visually appealing by having the follower more dramatically swivel their hips when pivoting the feet or by both partners kicking backwards instead of the rockstep.

Dance East Coast Swing

  1. Understand the two parts. The following steps are for the lead. The follower will mirror these movements. You can also dance with the followers back against the lead’s front, hands joined, and take the same steps.
  2. Take two steps to the left. With your weight starting on your right foot, take two small steps to the left.
  3. Take two steps to the right. Take two small steps to bring you back to the starting point.
  4. Rock step. Place your left foot just behind you or to the side, rock your weight back onto it and then forward again, replace your foot at the center position.
  5. Repeat. Repeat the two steps to the left, to steps to the right, rockstep rhythm. This is the basic East Coast Swing.
  6. Take traveling steps. Since swing is meant to be done with a great deal of space around dancers, you can take traveling steps to move around your section of the dance floor. There is little established pattern, although a star or diamond shape is a good way to start. Move in whatever way feels natural to you.
  7. Add flourishes. You can add basic flourishes to this dance. One way is to push distance between partners as you take your rockstep, returning together as you return to starting position. Another way is to spin your partner, either outward or under your arm, as the first two steps are taken, returning on the second two steps.

Dance the Charleston

  1. Take the starting position. Start with the left foot forward and the right foot back, with the right toes level with the back of the left foot.
  2. Step forward with the right foot, so that the heel is level with the left toes.
  3. Step back to the starting position.
  4. Step backwards with the left foot, so that the toes are level with the right heel.
  5. Step back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat this cycle of movements. You should have four “foot spots”, two on each of two parallel lines. Two should be on the right and equally offset from the remaining two on the right.
  7. Add flourishes. You can make this basic step more exciting by adding a number of flourishes. Begin by adding a bouncing movement to each step. Next, pivot your feet in and out on the front half of your foot with each step. Next, make the forward-most foot placement (rather than an outward step) a short kick. You are now dancing a proper Charleston!
  8. Add a partner. You can dance this alone, as described, or you can dance with a partner. You can dance facing, with the partner mirroring the lead’s movements. You can also dance it back to front or side by side. If dancing side by side, mirror the movements, so that you kick back the inner legs at the same time. Hold hands with each variation.



Tips

  • Make sure your partner knows they're appreciated. Thank your partner after each dance!
  • Have fun! That's what swing dancing is all about!
  • Keep moving, even if you think you messed up.
  • The body position for all three dances should be loose, unlike most ballroom dance positions. Knees should be slightly bent and upper body leaning forward slightly. If dancing with a partner, hands should be placed in the usual dancing positions but only lightly. Use gentle pressure to lead your partner.
  • Keep most of your weight on toes and keep heels slightly lifted for better swivel in your step.
  • Look at your partner's eyes, not his/her feet.
  • Maintain good posture, straight back and relaxed shoulders. Move your arms with your body.
  • You will move better in shoes that have a little slip in them.

Warnings

  • Aerials look cool and are very fun, but they are also a good way to hurt yourself. Use caution and attempt them only after you have mastered the basic steps.
  • While you want to move your body and arms, don't overdo it, as this might throw off your partner.
  • Don't be too stiff. Bend your knees a little bit.
  • If the lead lets go of the follower's hands, the follower should drop their hands.

Sources and Citations

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