Swing (dance)

Swing is group of related street dances. Swing is a partner dance. The couple dancing consists of a lead and follow. As with all swing dancing the lead and follow must have a connection.

Forms of Swing

The three main dance forms of swing are Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and East Coast Swing. However, many related dances exist, including the following.

Lindy Hop evolved in the late 1920s and early 1930s as the original swing dance. Almost anything goes.

West Coast Swing was developed in the 1930s and 1940s as a stylistic variation. Follows stay in a slot, which reduces their ability to move left and right, but improves their ability to spin left and right. West Coast Swing is danced in the same environment as Country Swing.

East Coast Swing is a simpler 6-count variation that has been adopted by Ballroom dancers. Also known as Triple-Step Swing, 6-Count Swing, Single-Step Swing, Rock-a-billy, or Jitterbug.

Country Swing is yet another division of swing with a largely distinct culture. Country swing more widely known among the country dancers.

Charleston This is a classic dance that predates Lindy Hop, and is part of Lindy Hop.

Balboa This is simpler, and good for fast music.

Collegiate Shag This is simpler and good for fast music.

Carolina Shag

St. Louis Shag

Boogie Woogie

Ballroom Dance includes Ballroom Swing Dancing. Yet, street swing and Ballroom Swing are very different. Ballroom Swing is not danced in competition and is done strictly in patterns (a series of interlocking moves). While Street Swing is danced in many different styles and places with thousands of differences between the different ones. It is very open for interpretation. It has very simple structure and footwork along with basic moves and styling.

Music

Swing is generally danced to "swing" music. Some of the swing greats have been Count Basie, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, and many, many others.

However, many dances fit their own music. West Coast swing is usually danced to blues or rock and roll. Country swing is danced to country and western music. Charleston is danced to Charleston music.

Most dances can fit many kinds of music. Lindy Hop is being danced to Swing, Blues, Rock-and-Roll, Disco, and Hip Hop music these days.