Swing dancing is a fun hobby to learn on your own, with a partner, or with a friend. It's fast-paced, providing a great workout, and is set to very characteristic and entertaining music. And while this upbeat dance style comes in many different forms, there are a few basics to pick up on if you're looking to learn.
Collected on this page are some of the best online videos freely available to get you up to speed on swing dancing. If you'd like a complete guide, from basic to advanced dance steps, hop on over to Mahalo's page on how to swing dance.
Dancing Tips
- Stay on your toes; everything moves fast
- Bend your knees slightly
- Keep steps small
- Keep your eyes on your partner, not on your feet
- Many dance studios offer free or introductory swing dance lessons
Swing dancing is a fun hobby to learn on your own, with a partner, or with a friend. It's fast-paced, providing a great workout, and is set to very characteristic and entertaining music. And while this upbeat dance style comes in many different forms, there are a few basics to pick up on if you're looking to learn.
Collected on this page are some of the best online videos freely available to get you up to speed on swing dancing. If you'd like a complete guide, from basic to advanced dance steps, hop on over to Mahalo's page on how to swing dance.
Fast Facts
Dates back to the 1920s
Continues to be a popular social dance
Music and dance style is fast-paced
Often involves both improvised and established flourishes
Sometimes incorporates acrobatic dance moves
Most popular forms: Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, and Carolina Shag
Expertvillage: How to West Coast Swing Dance : Breaking Down the Rhythm of West Coast Swing Dancing
Dance experts Donna Roesel & Eric Jacobson of Dance Manhattan teach us how to break down the pattern of the rhythm in West Coast Swing Dance in this very brief video. The lesson takes place at the dance studio beside a glass wall so that we can see the dancers from all sides. This just gives you a quick taste of a starter move in slow motion so that you can see what kinds of things you would learn about when you take swing dance lessons at a dance studio with a partner. At full speed you probably wouldn't have even noticed the smaller moves that are practiced and learned individually. Once you see it broken down like that, you realize that the entire dance can be learned in smaller basic moves. Great insight into how to learn this version of the swing dance.
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Dates back to the 1920s
-
Fact:
Continues to be a popular social dance
-
Fact:
Music and dance style is fast-paced
-
Fact:
Often involves both improvised and established flourishes
-
Fact:
Sometimes incorporates acrobatic dance moves
-
Most popular forms
Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, and Carolina Shag
