The elements of swing dance

In this article, we include swing techniques for all the different forms of swing dancing. The term “swing dance” is an umbrella term that embraces a wide variety of swing dances. For instance, swing dance styles like Lindy Hop, Balboa, Bal-swing, East Coast swing, Jitterbug. Also, included are St. Louis shag, Collegiate shag, Carolina shag, Texas Push, D.C. Hand dance, West Coast swing, Rodeo swing and more.

Swing dance was born at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1920’s. Moreover, it spread across the U.S. The first swing was called Lindy hop after Charles Lindbergh hopped the Atlantic. In the 1930’s, the jitterbug swing was very popular followed by Western swing, called West Coast swing later. In 1988, the West Coast swing became the official state dance of California. Additionally, all the different swing dance genres use similar swing techniques but each type uses different styling guidelines.

Watch Boogie, Lindy, Shag & WCS videos here!

In the 1940’s, dance studios were instrumental in spreading swing dance from coast to coast. However, each region of the country had its own style that developed over time. For example, the Carolina’s developed the Carolina shag and St. Louis shag in St. Louis. Also, the Texas push, sometimes referred to as the Houston or Dallas Push was a form of West Coast swing. In addition. other forms include Imperial swing and Collegiate shag, the D.C. Hand dancers in Washington D.C. Additionally, a four count Rodeo swing developed in the Country Western dance clubs.

Swing Techniques

The swing dances are built in two beat increments that are sometimes called “units.” This concept and term was created by Skippy Blair. Consequently, swing techniques are sometimes taught using this Universal Unit system using two beat increments. Read more about the Universal Unit System here!

A unit is two beats of music and the swing dances can be dissected into sets of two beat units. The basic 6 count triple rhythm swing is composed of three units: walk, walk (2 beats), triple (2 beats), triple (2 beats) or double, triple, triple. All the swing dances use single, double, triple and delayed single rhythm. One step for two beats is single rhythm, two steps for two beats is double rhytym or three steps in two beats is triple rhythm. There are some other rhythm possibilities but these are the most common ones and the rhythms can be mixed.

There are many different styles of swing dance. Most all of the swing dances use walks or sometimes rocking steps and moving or static triples or single steps. They use a combination of hand positions: one hand, two hand, cross hand, hand shake and a few others. Swing dancing uses various dance positions like closed, promenade, skaters, shadow, etc. They use the same turns like clockwise or counterclockwise turns for the lead or follow with any number of hand positions. Generally, swing dances have much in common but each style has some distinct features that distinguishes it from the other forms of swing. The differences are somewhat subtle but important to know when learning several forms of swing. There are very specific differences between the Lindy Hop, East & West Coast Swing and Jitterbug. It is essential to learn the specific swing techniques for the different types of swing dancing.

The knees are used differently in the West Coast swing than in the Lindy hop. The Lindy hop often uses both knees bent and outward swiveling action, which is not commonly used in West Coast swing. Starting a swivel turning right when the right foot is stepping was quite common in the 1970’s but very seldom used currently. Also, West Coast swing is more upright since normally one knee is straight while the other is bent on weighted steps. The upper torso is also held upright with the lats engaged and the shoulders down.

The Lindy hop is more relaxed and less upright, often using the hips pulled back to form almost a jackknife position. Also, the legs slice past each other staying fairly close in the West Coast swing as it often is done in a single track while many of the other swing dances are done in a two track formation.

Shaping is one swing technique that is widely used in all forms of partner social dancing. This is accomplished by using contra body position as one passes their partner. Contra body movement position (CBMP) is essentially when the right foot is forward the right shoulder is back or when the left foot is forward the left shoulder is back. When both partners use CBMP while passing it improves the feel and aesthetics of the dance. While this is not the only form of shaping it is widely used throughout social partner and ballroom dancing. Watch this short film on contra body movement.

In some movements, another form of shaping is used like in the prep for an inside roll in the West Coast swing, it is called same side leading, of instance, on count 2 of the walk in of an inside roll from a right to right hand hold, the follow uses a left foot forward and left shoulder forward. This creates an opening of the body to increase the velocity of a spin or turn.

Shaping in dance is one part of body movement, an important aspect for all forms of social dance but especially important in the West Coast swing. Once a swing dancer has reached Intermediate levels of dance, it is important to start working on the body movement that is essential to continue progressing in ones dancing. Body movement includes ribcage isolations, hip action, shoulder figure eights and things like ripples or rolls.

It is especially important to not get caught up in the “pattern junky” mentality and to expand ones scope of learning dance to include work on elements like establishing a great connection with the partner, learning to roll the feet and use rolling count, learn body isolations to add spice to your dancing and work on the lats to improve posture. These are crucial swing techniques in learning to become an excellent swing dancer or any other form of social partner dancing. Watch this short video on rolling count.

When checking out swing dance lessons, make sure to find a course that offers instruction on these elements to expedite becoming a better dancer. Dance classes should focus on movement, connection, body movement, styling, timing and technique. Avoid becoming preoccupied with patterns or amalgamations, dancers that focus on patterns never become good dancers. The best dancers have great timing, connect well with their partner, engage muscles using body movement, maintain good posture and often smile!

Swing dancing has continued to be a favorite American dance form but in recent decades have spread globally. Presently, all the various forms of swing including East Coast swing, Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag and Jitterbug (single rhythm East Coast Swing) can be found around the world.

Also, the swing era dances like the Lindy hop, Collegiate shag, Balboa and Bal/swing are great dances that are high energy and great for improving ones fitness through dance.

There are a wide variety of swing dances to select from once you have decided to start. I recommend the Jitterbug for newcomers to dance. Next, either the East Coast swing tiple rhythm or Lindy hop. Finally, the West Coast swing once you have acquired the basic swing elements. The swing techniques are easier for the East Coast swing and Lindy hop. However, techniques are considerably more complex for West Coast swing.

Learning to swing dance opens up a whole new, fun community of people that love to swing dance. Also, there are many venues that are offered almost every night of the week. So if you haven’t already started, get started now and learn to swing dance, you won’t be disappointed! If visiting or live in San Diego, check out our weekly Swing Dance Venues here!