Swing Dances

The term "swing" is a broad description of a lively style of social partner dancing.  Different parts of the country favor different "styles."  Following are some definitions that we gleaned off different websites on the internet:

• Lindy Hop      Perhaps the most popular swing dance, this dance originated in Harlem with its roots as the Charleston.  It was renamed to commemorate Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight. 
• East Coast Swing     Seen often on club or tavern dance floors, this dance was influenced by the Foxtrot.  Wildly popular all over the country, this style of swing dance is danced 'in the round.'  Some say it is the same as Lindy Hop, but different. (Huh?!)
• West Coast Swing     A slotted dance in which the follower travels back and forth along an imaginary rectangle, or 'slot." 
• Boogie-Woogie     This style is usually danced to rock music or blues.
• Carolina Shag     A dance performed to beach music.
• Jive     A fast-paced variation of East Coast Swing.
• Whip     A Texas variation of the West Coast Swing primarily differentiated by its signature double resistance at the anchor step aka lady's body sway, mostly danced in South Texas.
• Push     A Texas variation of the West Coast Swing, mostly danced in North Texas.
• Jitterbug     An umbrella term used by non-dancers to describe all styles of Swing dance.  (Now don't get upset...it's just someone's definition. There are 5 more definitions.)

Many of these definitions for Swing Dance Style and Music were taken from "What is Swing Dance?" by Treva Bedinghaus at About.com. 

Swing Style

It's not difficult to spot swing dancers...they are the couples with the biggest smiles having the most fun.

Swing dance is a lively style of social partner dancing in which a dancer often lifts, dips, spins and flips his or her partner. 

Considered both hip and cool, swing dancing is for dancers of all ages...and sizes!

Most forms of Swing dance are characterized by lots of swinging, flipping and throwing of partners, depending on the music being played.

Because it is mostly performed in a slot, it is a popular dance for crowded dance floors.  

The Whip, a Texas variation of the West Coast Swing (slotted dance), may be danced to any speed of music.  Your humble webmaster prefers 96 bpm (beats per minute).

Swing dancing is great exercise, lots of fun and a great way to meet people. One of the main reasons why swing dancing is so much fun is because dancers are encouraged to add their own personal style and expression.

If you attend swing dance classes, you will be taught fundamental steps and patterns, but your instructor will encourage you to add your own style.