History of Swing Dance Music
There is no single clear origin of swing dancing, but rather a whole range of
influences that shaped the development and history of the swing dance music. The Swing
combines steps and characteristics of a number of dance styles, such as Lindy Hop,
the Jitterbug, the Fox Trot and the Charleston. Many dance historians even include
the Waltz and the Tango in this list of influences that led eventually led to the
Swing.
Dance Style
One of the most interesting things about Swing is the number of variations that
thrive across the United States and Europe. In fact, if you were to take a swing
dance lesson in Los Angeles, California, and then go to New York City and then to
Stockholm Sweden you would likely find that you need to learn a new or varied set
of steps in your new home. Why? Because the dance has evolved into many significant
variations, so much so that many of these variations have their own name. A few
examples include:
- East Coast
- West Coast
- Lindy Hop
- Jitterbug
- Rock & Roll
- Beach Bop
- St. Louis Imperial
Most people who enjoy swing dancing may have very little awareness of the many
regional variations and the different steps that are used in different places.
Performance or Social
Within the many regional variations, there are also variations in style. The
two most common styles are performance and social. The characteristics of these
styles are just what you might think based on their names.
Performance style – This style is generally highly choreographed and
rehearsed. Dancers will perform moves that are difficult, flashy, and that often
depart from the tradition of one partner leading another. Moves are often quite
dramatic and designed specifically to impress the audience and/or judges in a competitive
environment.
Social style – This style is the most common and most familiar to swing
dancers of every variation. Dancers tend to combine familiar steps and occasionally
a new move, but the focus is on enjoyment and social interaction. This model follows
the traditional style of one partner leading another.
Learn to Dance
Anyone can learn to Swing. All it takes is a body, a desire to move, a willingness
to learn a few basic steps, and some comfortable dancing shoes. You can “learn by
doing” by going to swing dance musics with an experienced partner, or you can take a swing
dance lesson. Lessons are widely available in many locations, such as dance studios,
community colleges, community centers, social clubs and even some churches.
You don’t need special shoes to take a basic swing dance music lesson, but if
you find you really enjoy it and want to dance regularly then a pair of good shoes
would be a good investment. These kinds of shoes are flexible enough to let your
foot move freely, and they typically have soles made of material that allows you
to spin and slide safely.
Whether you decide to take an introductory lesson or you become a Swing enthusiast,
swing dancing is an enjoyable pastime that is easy to learn and fun to do. |
