Vintage Swing Spokane
Swing Dancing is...
Healthy
FUN
Social
ABOUT Vintage Swing Dances
Swing music evolved out from a variety of influences, but is simplified as a combination of African and European musical elements. Swing, considered one of the earliest forms of Jazz, would later develop into Rock and Be Bop alongside the more modern forms of Jazz . Dancing evolved, reflecting the changes in music. The steps below share the same time frame and music, but vary due to regional influences
The Charelston is an eight-count basic comprised of kick steps, and single time steps. This dance includes patterns for partners as well as individuals (Solo Charleston). Partner patterns include a variety of orientations. It can be danced side-by-side (Mirror), face-to-face and front-to-back (Tandem). This step lasted many decades and has evolved through its hay-day. In the 1920's, the mechanics included a more up feeling and posture. While the same dance danced in later decades was danced with a lower posture and an elogated footprint.
CHARLESTON
Lindy Hop, commonly know as "the Lindy," is an eight count basic. It is comprised of two triple steps and four single time steps. The dance pattern for both lead and follow: step, step, triple step, step, step, triple step. This pattern is danced about a center point. There are two general kinds of styling, "Savoy" Style and "Hollywood" Style. The Lindy is danced to the full spectrum of tempos with lots of variations incorporated.
BALBOA
Another eight-count basic which eveloved from the Charelston. The partners dance in a closed position where partners are chest to chest. This basic step is comprised of six single-time steps. There are two general kinds of stylings, "Pure Bal" and "Bal Swing." Pure Bal is danced solely in close embrace where as Bal Swing includes break aways and turns.
SHAG
Born in the South, this dance like Lindy Hop and Balboa in that positioning varies: closed, open, and close embrace. Shag has a variety of rhythms (single, double, and triple) as a basic. Each of those rhythms has figure and rhythm changes. Like Bal Swing and Lindy Hop the dance includes break aways and turns.
AUTHENTIC JAZZ
These steps are independent of any particular dance. Usually these steps are set up in an 8-count framework, but can also be found in 2 and 4-count units. These steps can be a tool to continue dancing when there is no partner available and dances as an individual (solo dancing). They be incorporated in individual dances embellishing basic steps. This can happen by adding them in their original form or by adding parts to a dance step.
