Exploring the History and Evolution of Swing Dancing

With invigorating steps and a rich history, swing dancing is an exciting way to have fun and connect with a partner on the dance floor.

Swing dancing is said to have originated in the ballrooms and jazz clubs of Harlem in the 1920s, and quickly became a vibrant cultural phenomenon reflecting the excitement and zing of that era. Swing dances like Lindy Hop and Jive have evolved over almost a century, leaving a timeless blend of tradition and exuberance on dance floors and cultures all around the world.

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Where Did Swing Dance Originate?

The jazz scene in Harlem gave birth to a group of dances in the 1920s, which were the earliest renditions of swing dancing. Historically speaking, the term ‘swing’ refers to a particular style of jazz music that was the inspiration behind the dance style. Between 1920 and 1940, hundreds of different styles of swing dances emerged, many of which are still widely popular today.

Swing dancing is rooted in African American culture and reflects its resilience. Today, these dance styles have evolved through many cultural shifts, becoming a global icon that connects dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

Learning the Basics of Swing Dancing

Whether you’re interested in taking your first dance lesson as a beginner or you’re an experienced dancer looking to learn a new dance form, swing dancing is guaranteed to open up a world of creativity and social interactions.

Basic Steps

Like every dance form, there’s a set of basic steps that form the foundation of swing dancing. Dancers learn variations of the rock step, triple steps, and rhythm breaks and use them in a combination of patterns and sequences.

Footwork, Turns, and Spins

Several footwork variations are used in swing dancing routines to add complexity and energy to the choreography. Dancers also have to learn to perform smooth turns and spins that add flair to the dance style and create a strong connection between two dancers through physical contact and communication.

The Initial Evolution of Swing Dance

As we mentioned before, the origins of swing dancing can be traced back to the 1920s, when Harlem was the center of the jazz music world. Lindy Hop was the earliest form of swing dance that developed in the period when dancers orchestrated bouncy movements to the music of legends like Cab Calloway.

Lindy Hop

Also called the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop is definitely the original form of swing dance that blended African-American and European dance styles and thrived in the Savoy Ballroom in the 1930s. The iconic swingout step is a hallmark step in the repertoire of any swing dancer that starts with two partners in a closed dance position and involves rock steps, triple steps, and an outward swing.

Balboa

Balboa is a close-embrace swing dance style characterized by smooth, confined movements and intricate footwork. It’s named after the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California, where it was first developed in the late 1920s and early 1930s and rose to popularity in the subsequent decades. Balboa developed in the conservative dance halls of Southern California, where space was limited, so you need very little space on the dance floor for this style. It’s often danced to fast jazz, but many dancers also prefer a slower tempo.

Jive

It is said that Cab Calloway introduced the Jive (named after a type of African-American slang) to the public in 1934 and the dance form gained popularity in the 1940s. The Jive was influenced by swing, rock and roll, boogie, and Lindy hop, and even incorporates elements from Latin dances. It is an energetic dance style with fast rhythms and high-energy moves like jumps and kicks, danced in a quick triple-step pattern with an emphasis on footwork and a strong connection between dancing partners.

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Adaptations of Swing Dancing After the 40s

The popularity of swing dance spread from the streets of New York City to the sunny coasts of the United States, and evolved in distinct but connected ways between the 1940s to 1970s creating several variations that are popular to this day.

East Coast Swing Dancing

The East Coast Swing evolved in the United States in the 1940s as a variation of the Lindy Hop, when dance studios wanted to create a dance style to make the original Lindy Hop easier to learn and more fun because the latter was considered too difficult and unstructured for beginner dancers. East Coast Swing is an upbeat dance with a 6-count basic pattern, rock steps, triple steps, and turns and spins on the dance floor.

West Coast Swing Dancing

West Coast Swing was influenced by Dean Collins, who brought his Savoy-style Lindy to Hollywood nightclubs. The dance style quickly evolved in California and is usually danced in a linear slot on the dance floor to music with a 4/4 time signature, a tempo of 90–120 beats per minute, and syncopated rhythms. The leader leads by the body instead of arms, and some basic steps include push break or sugar push, left side pass, right side pass, tuck turn, and whip.

Hustle

The Hustle is a fast-paced, fun, and energetic dance developed by Puerto Rican teenagers. Originally a line dance with a 5-step count and no turns, the Hustle evolved through the 1970s with elements of samba, mambo, salsa, and swing. Its popularity increased with the release of Van McCoy’s 1975 hit song, ‘The Hustle’, and the 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever, and quickly became synonymous with disco music and club culture of the time.

Swing Dancing in the Modern Era

Modern swing dancing combines classic swing styles with elements from other dances, such as hip-hop, jazz, and other contemporary dance forms.

Despite its evolution, the core principles of rhythm, connection, and musicality remain central to the dance. People dance to a wide variety of music, including classic big band swing tunes, electro-swing songs, pop, country, blues, and other contemporary music.

Swing dancing is open to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds in the modern era, creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the 21st century.

Learn to Swing Dance in Our Fred Astaire Dance Studio

We have private and group lessons for several swing dance styles that guarantee a fun and educational experience on the dance floor. Whether you’re just starting out, want to learn a new dance, or just looking to refine your swing dance skills, our experienced instructors are always ready to guide you at every step. Fill out the form or call us today to learn more about our introductory offer, and get started on your swing dancing adventure at our dance studio.

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