Swing is a generic term that refers to a variety of related dances, most of which are used interchangeably within individual songs. These types of dance were created in the 1920s and were used consistently throughout the 1950s and 1960s, although they are still very popular today. More advanced forms of Swing involve spectacular flips and jumps between partners, but the basic ones are easy to learn and master. The most common type of swing dance is called Lindy Hop, which while being the most difficult, is considered the most traditional. Two other common forms are East Coast Swing and Charleston. In this article, all three methods will be reported in their most basic forms.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Lindy Hop dancing
Step 1. Begin by placing both feet in the center
The next steps are for the lead.
Step 2. Step back by swinging
With your left foot, step back, shifting your weight to your left foot.
Step 3. Go back turning on your side
As you step back to go to the starting position, move forward and rotate about a quarter so that you turn to the right.
Step 4. Put your feet together
Step 5. Take a step to the left, turning slightly in the same direction
Step 6. Place your foot behind your left foot
Step 7. Pivot both feet to rotate your body, bringing both feet side by side
Step 8. Take two steps to the right
Step 9. Repeat the steps, starting with the rockstep (Step 2)
Step 10. The other partner will follow the same mirror steps to adapt to the lead
Step 11. Add some embellishment moves
It is possible to make the dance more visually interesting if the following partner twirls more markedly during the foot rotation, or if both partners kick back instead of rock step.
Method 2 of 3: The East Coast Method
Step 1. Understand the two parts
The following steps are for the driver. The partner who follows will mirror these movements. It is also possible to dance standing behind the leader, with folded hands, performing the same steps.
Step 2. Take two steps to the left
With your weight shifted to your right foot, take two small steps to the left.
Step 3. Take two steps to the right
Take two small steps to return to the starting point.
Step 4. Step rock step
Put your left foot right behind you or to the side, bring your weight back to it and then again forward, replace the foot in the middle position.
Step 5. Repeat
Repeat the two steps left, steps right, rockstep rhythm. This is the Swing basis for the East Coast method.
Step 6. Trace the path of the steps
Since the Swing dance is meant to be danced with a large amount of space around the dancers, you can move around your own section of the dance floor following some sort of pattern. The star or diamond shape is a good way to start. Choose the one that feels most natural to you.
Step 7. Add some embellishment moves
One way is to increase the distance between the parts as you rock step, returning together to the starting position. Another way is to swing your partner, outward or under your arm, after completing the first two steps, returning to the next two steps.
Method 3 of 3: The Charleston Method
Step 1. Take the starting position
Start with the left foot forward and the right backward, with the toe of the right foot in line with the back of the left foot.
Step 2. Step forward with your right foot so that the heel is aligned with the toe of the left foot
Step 3. Return to the starting position
Step 4. Step back with your left foot so that the toe is in line with the right heel
Step 5. Return to the starting position
Step 6. Repeat this cycle of movements
You should have four points with your foot, two on each of the two parallel lines.
Step 7. Add some embellishment moves
You can make this basic step more exciting by adding a series of moves. Start by adding a hop to each step. Next, rotate your feet both outward and inward with each step. Next, bring your feet forward as much as possible (rather than an outward pass), with a short kick. You are now dancing the Charleston correctly.
Step 8. Add a partner
You can dance alone, as described, or you can dance with a partner. You can dance facing each other, with the partner making mirror movements with respect to the driver. It is also possible to dance one behind the other or side by side. Again in this case, repeating the partner's movements in a mirror image, so that both of you kick back at the same time. Always keep your partner's hands in any variation.
Advice
- Make sure your partner knows they are appreciated. Always thank him after every dance!
- Have fun! This is the essence of Swing!
- Keep moving, even if you think you're not perfect.
- Look at your partner's eyes, not his feet.
- The body position for all three dances should be relaxed, unlike most other dance positions. The knees should be slightly bent and the torso leaned slightly forward. If you dance with a partner, your hands should be placed in the usual dance positions, but not rigid. Apply gentle pressure to lead your partner.
- You can move better by wearing sole shoes (they are usually more slippery).
- Maintain good posture, back straight and shoulders relaxed. Move your arms with your body.
- Keep most of your weight on your toes and keep your toes slightly raised to allow for better turns.
Warnings
- If the driver lets go of their partner's hands, the follower should drop their hands.
- Vaulting is a lot of fun, but it's also a good way to hurt yourself. Use caution and try only after you have mastered the basic steps.
- Don't be too stiff. Try to always keep your knees slightly bent.
- When you move, don't overdo it; your partner may not like it.
