In this article, you will learn about the types of swing dance. Swing dancing is a style of partner dance that developed in the 1920s, Lindy Hop. It is often said that swing dancing refers to any partner dance done to swing music, but this is not technically true. Swing dances include Lindy Hop, Charleston, Shag, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and many others.
What Are the Different Types of Swing Dance?
There are many types of swing dances, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and West Coast Swing. Each has its own unique history, style, and steps.
- Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, created in the 1920s and 1930s by African American dancers in Harlem, New York. It is a fast-paced, joyful dance that is still popular today.
- Charleston is a 1920s dance that was made popular by the Broadway musical “Show Boat.” It is a fast, fun dance that is often done with a partner.
- Balboa is a 1920s dance that originated in Southern California. It is a slower, more intimate dance than other swing dance types.
- Shag is a fast-paced, energetic dance that originated in the 1930s. It is often done with a partner and is still popular today.
- West Coast Swing is a modern type of swing dance that originated in the 1940s. It is a slower, more sensual dance than other types of swing.
East Coast Swing Dancing
Swing dancing is enjoying a resurgence in popularity on the East Coast, thanks in part to the popularity of shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” But swing dancing is more than just a passing fad; it’s a truly unique form of dance that has its roots in the 1920s and 1930s.
Unlike other forms of dance, swing dancing is all about improvisation and having fun. There are no complex steps to memorize, and no rules about where you put your feet. Instead, swing dancers rely on their own creativity and sense of rhythm to come up with new moves on the fly.
This freedom of expression is one of the things that makes swing dancing so special. It’s also what makes it such a great workout; because you’re constantly moving and trying new things, you never get bored.
If you’re interested in learning how to swing dance, there are plenty of great instructors on the East Coast. Many dance studios offer group classes, which are a great way to meet other people and get a feel for the music and the moves.
private lessons are also an option if you want to learn at your own pace. Whichever route you choose, you’re sure to have a blast while you’re learning to swing dance!
West Coast Swing Dancing
Swing dancing on the West Coast is a popular pastime for many people, as it is a great way to meet new people and have fun.
There are many different types of swing dancing, but the most popular ones on the West Coast are Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing.
Both Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing are great for social dancing, and there are many places on the West Coast where you can go to swing dance. If you’re in Los Angeles, there are several weekly swing dances that are open to the public, such as the Wednesday Night Hop at the historic Elks Lodge in downtown LA. If you’re in San Francisco, the weekly Lindy in the Park dance is a great place to start. And if you’re in Seattle, you can check out the weekly swing dance at the Century Ballroom.
Swing dancing is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and get some exercise, so if you’re on the West Coast, be sure to check it out!
Lindy Hop
For many people, Lindy Hop conjures up images of a bygone era of speakeasies and prohibition. But this dynamic dance, which originated in the African American community in Harlem in the 1920s, is very much alive and well today.
Lindy Hop is a partner dance that is characterized by its joyful, exuberant style and its intricate footwork. It is often said that Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, and it is certainly the most well-known.
Lindy Hop is danced to a wide variety of music, but it is most commonly associated with the big band sounds of the 1930s and 1940s. The dance is named after Charles Lindbergh, who made the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927.
Lindy Hop is a lead-and-follow dance, meaning that one person takes the lead while the other follows. The lead generally determines the direction and the basic steps of the dance, while the follower provides the embellishments.
Lindy Hop is usually danced in an eight-count rhythm, though there are also six- and four-count variations. The most basic step is a six-count swing out, which consists of four steps forward and two steps back.
Lindy Hop is a highly creative dance, and there is no one right way to do it. There are endless possibilities for variations and embellishments, which is part of what makes the dance so much fun.
Whether you’re a Lindy Hop beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn. This vibrant dance is sure to keep you moving and smiling for years to come.
Jitterbug
If you’re not familiar with the term, “jitterbug” may conjure up images of a bygone era. But this type of swing dancing is enjoying a revival, thanks in part to its appearance in popular movies and TV shows.
Jitterbug is a fun, energetic style of swing dance that anyone can learn. It’s perfect for beginners because it doesn’t require any complicated steps or footwork. And once you get the hang of it, you can add your own flair and personality to the moves.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a partner and start jitterbugging!
Balboa
The Balboa is a dance that originated in Southern California in the early 20th century. It is a fast-paced dance that is danced close to the floor and is characterized by its quick footwork and intricate turns. The Balboa is often danced to swing music and is considered to be a very versatile dance.
The Balboa has a long and rich history and has been enjoyed by dancers of all levels for many years. The dance is named after the Balboa Peninsula in Southern California, where it is believed to have originated. The first recorded mention of the Balboa was in a dance manual from 1915, which described it as a “new and novel dance.”
The Balboa quickly gained popularity in the 1920s and was often danced at dance halls and nightclubs in the Los Angeles area. In the 1930s, the Balboa was introduced to the East Coast, where it became popular in the New York City area.
The Balboa has remained popular throughout the years and is still danced today by people of all ages. The dance is a great way to exercise and is also a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to dance, the Balboa is definitely worth checking out!
Jive
The Jive is a fast-paced, energetic dance that is often seen in competitive ballroom dancing. It is a style of swing dance that originated in the United States in the early 1940s.
The Jive is danced to music with a 4/4 time signature and is characterized by its strong beat and fast tempo. The dance is danced in a 6-count or 8-count timing and is danced in a closed position with the lead foot always leading.
The Jive is a very popular dance style and is often seen in movies, television shows, and music videos.
What Are the Different Types of Swing Music?
Swing music was a fusion of various popular music styles of the 20s and 30s, including jazz, blues, pop, and ragtime. Most swing songs begin with an instrumental introduction featuring a solo saxophone, followed by a melody and lyrics sung by one or more singers.
Swing bands developed from big band groups, which have a larger number of musicians and bass, piano, guitar, and drums rhythm section. Swing bands from the 40s and 50s have been re-released on CD and are available for download on iTunes.
What Is the Difference Between East Coast Swing and West?
The biggest difference is the footwork. East Coast Swing tends to be smooth, fast, and slick. The breaks are clean and sharp. The footwork tends to be very sharp, but not twitchy. West Coast Swing tends to be more hip-driven, with a more liquid feel. The footwork tends to be a little looser and a little more relaxed. The breaks are softer and flow a little more.
Coast Swing?
Coast Swing is a smooth, sexy dance that is gaining popularity all over the world. It is a derivative of West Coast Swing and is characterized by its fluidity and grace.
Coast Swing is danced to a wide variety of music, including blues, R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. It can be danced solo or with a partner. The basic steps are simple to learn, and once you have them down, you can start dancing to all sorts of music.
Coast Swing is a great dance for beginners because it is relatively easy to learn and is very versatile. You can dance it at weddings, parties, nightclubs, and just about anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a smooth, sexy dance to add to your repertoire, Coast Swing is definitely worth a try.
What Is Country Swing?
Country swing is a style of dance that combines country music and swing dancing. It is a popular dance style in the United States.
Country swing dancing is a partner dance that is typically danced to country music. However, the style can also be danced to other swing dancing types of music, such as rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. The dance is a blend of two popular dance styles, country-western, and swing.
The country swing dance style evolved in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It was popularized by western swing bands, such as Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.
The basic steps of the country swing dance are similar to the basic steps of the swing dance. However, the country swing dance has a more relaxed and easygoing feel to it. The dance is often danced in a “slide” or “shuffle” step.
The History of Swing Dancing
Swing dancing is a type of dance that is typically danced to swing music. The swing dance style evolved in the 1920s and 1930s and was popularized in the 1940s. There are many different swing dance styles, but all of them are characterized by a bouncy, swinging motion.
Swing dancing began to emerge in the early 1920s when jazz music was becoming increasingly popular. Jazz music is a type of music that is characterized by syncopated rhythms and improvisational solos. The early swing dancers drew inspiration from jazz music and began to develop their own dance style that was influenced by jazz music.
The first swing dance style was the Lindy Hop. The Lindy Hop was named after Charles Lindbergh, who was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The Lindy Hop is a dance that is characterized by its bouncy, swinging motion. The Lindy Hop was first popularized in the 1930s, and quickly became one of the most popular swing dances.
The Lindy Hop was eventually replaced by the Jitterbug, which was a faster and more energetic version of the Lindy Hop. The Jitterbug was first popularized in the 1940s and quickly became the most popular swing dance.
The swing dance style began to decline in the 1950s when rock and roll music began to become popular. However, the swing dance style has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and there are now many different types of swing dance that are popular worldwide.
FAQ
What are the different types of swing dancing?
You’ll find several different types of swing dancing, but the most common are Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Shag.
How many types of swing dances are there?
There are six major types of swing dances: lindy hop, balboa, charleston, east coast swing, west coast swing, and hustle.
What are the names of swing dance moves?
Some types of swing dance moves have over time evolved into the names of new dance moves. For example, the Lindy Circle, which was originally a variation of the circle swing, became a separate dance move. The Lindy Circle is now known as a completely different dance move, which is a swing dance move in its own right.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many benefits to swing dancing. It is a great way to get exercise, as it is a very active dance. Swing dancing is also great for developing coordination and rhythm. In addition, it is a social activity that can be enjoyed with a partner or in a group.