How to Swing Dance

How to swing dance will introduce you to the basics of one of the earliest forms of swing dance—the Lindy Hop.

Introduction
- Thanks in part to a late 90s revival, swing dance has become one of the most popular forms of social dance in the United States. It's athletic. It's fun, and it's easy to learn. The following guide will introduce you to a few swing basics. With a little practice, you'll be ready to strap on your dancing shoes and go, daddy-o!
Types of Swing Dance
- The term "swing dance" is a generic term that covers over a dozen different types of partner dances.
- The US Swing Dance Council defines swing dance as follows:
- - Swing dancing is an American Rhythm Dance, consisting of 6 and 8 beat patterns that cover either a circular or slotted area on the dance floor. The dance incorporates underarm turns, side passes, pushes and whips; plus variations, syncopations and extensions. All styles incorporate the same basic identifiable moves. If you can define the dance as something other than Swing, it is not Swing.
- Some of the most well-known swing variations include:
- Lindy Hop: Considered the original swing dance, the Lindy Hop evolved in the late '20s and early '30s out of the Charleston. It can be adapted to either 8 or 6-count rhythms. The Lindy Hop emphasizes improvisation as you "break away" or "swing out" from your partner.
- East Coast Swing: The simplest 6-count version of the swing. Also known as the Single-Time, Triple-Step and 6-Count Swing.
- Carolina Shag: Shag is a form of swing dance that evolved along the Carolina coast and is often associated with beach music. Shag puts an emphasis on footwork over upper body or hip movement.
Swing Music
- Swing music is a form of jazz that developed in the U.S. in the early 1930s. You'll recognize swing music thanks to its driving rhythm section, use of horns and swing time beat. Swing was popularized by big band orchestras in the late '30s and early '40s and was revived by such modern-day swingers as Brian Setzer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in the late '90s.
Holding Your Partner
- How you hold your partner will depend on the type of swing dance you're doing. The two most popular holds include the Double Open Hold and the Closed Hold.
Closed Hold
1. Face your partner. You should be standing approximately six inches away from each other.
2. Maintain good posture with your head up and shoulders relaxed.
3. LEADER: Place your right hand slightly below your partner's left shoulder blade. Your right arm should remain firm—lifted at a 90 degree angle from your body.
4. FOLLOWER: After your partner has placed his or her hand on your shoulder blade, place your left arm on your partner's right arm. Your left hand should gently grasp your partner's shoulder or upper arm.
5. LEADER: Take your partner's right hand in your left hand. Your hands should rest comfortably at around waist or hip level—lower than they would be for other types of ballroom dance.
6. FOLLOWER: Rest your right hand in your partner's left hand.
- The first part of the following video demonstrates the closed hold for swing dancing:
Couple's Hold and Basic Footwork with Teresa Egan
Double Open Hold
1. Face your partner. You should be standing approximately six inches away from each other.
2. Maintain good posture with your head up and shoulders relaxed.
3. Leader holds follower's left hand in his or her right hand and the follower's right hand in his or her left hand.
  - You're essentially taking the hands of the person standing across from you. The leader's places his palms up, and the follower cups his or her hands in the shape of a "C" and places them on top of the leader's hands.
The Basic Swing Dance Step
- The following videos and instructions will teach you how to do the basic Lindy Hop step.
The Lindy Hop Basic: Leader's Part
1. Start with your feet together.
2. Rock back on your left foot—putting all your weight on it.
3. Put your weight on the right foot—completing the "rock step."
4. Step to your left with your left foot.
5. Step to your right with your right foot.
6. Repeat.
- Triple-Step Variation:
1. Start with your feet together.
2. Rock back on your left foot—putting all your weight on it.
3. Put your weight on the right foot—completing the "rock step."
4. Triple Step to the Left.
  - Step to your left with your left foot.
  - Step next to your left foot with your right foot.
  - Put your weight back on your left foot. You are taking three quick, little steps to the left.
5. Triple Step to the Right.
  - Step to your right with your right foot.
  - Step next to your right foot with your left foot.
  - Put your weight back on your right foot. You are taking three quick, little steps to the right.
6. Repeat.
Leader's Basic Footwork with Teresa Egan
The Lindy Hop Basic: Follower's Part
1. Start with your feet together.
2. Rock back on your right foot—putting all your weight on it.
3. Put your weight on the left foot—completing the "rock step."
4. Step to your right with your right foot.
5. Step to your left with your left foot.
6. Repeat.
- Triple-Step Variation:
1. Start with your feet together.
2. Rock back on your right foot—putting all your weight on it.
3. Put your weight on the left foot—completing the "rock step."
4. Triple Step to the Right.
  - Step to your right with your right foot.
  - Step next to your right foot with your left foot.
  - Put your weight back on your right foot. You are taking three quick, little steps to the right.
5. Triple Step to the Left.
  - Step to the left with your left foot.
  - Step next to your left foot with your right foot.
  - Put your weight back on your left foot. You are taking three quick, little steps to the left.
6. Repeat.
Follower's Basic Footwork with Teresa Egan
Additional Swing Dance Moves
- There are plenty of cool swing dances out there to learn—not to mention entirely different versions of swing dancing in general. You can learn ballroom dance competition-caliber jives or regional styles like Washington DC's hand dance.
- The following instructional videos will introduce you to popular turns and side-by-side moves that you'll see across many different types of swing:
- Under Arm Turn
- Reach Down Pull Her Back - Ba-Doomp Ba-Doomp
- The Hammerlock
- The Back Pass
General Swing Dancing Tips
- The most important thing to remember about swing dancing is to relax, listen to the music and have fun. Swing is one of the most joyful types of social dancing there is. So, don't forget to have a good time.
1. Swing music is fast so stay on your toes, bend your knees slightly and keep your steps small.
2. Never look at your feet; it's a surefire way to step on other people's. Look at your partner.
3. Some clubs and dance studios offer free or introductory swing dance lessons. Check your local paper's listing of dance offerings for more information.
Hellzapoppin' Swing Dance Scene
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