East Coast Swing Dance Lessons
Get Grooving with Easy East Coast Swing Dance Moves
Learn the East Coast Swing Basic Steps and Get Swinging
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced East Coast Swing Dance Classes
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East Coast Swing Dance Lessons in Our Warren Studio
Learn Swing Dance Moves Quickly and Easily
Eastern Swing or East Coast Swing (or just Swing), evolved from the Lindy Hop and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance. The best-known forms of Swing include the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Shag. In the early 1940s, these forms consolidated into what was called the Lindy.
The Lindy was first danced as a modified box step, with a slight shuffling movement. The shuffling movement of the original Lindy can be likened to today’s single rhythm in Swing. As the shuffling or single rhythm progressed, it evolved into both the double and triple-time Lindy. Today all three form the basis of good Swing dancing.
About 55 years ago, Swing was danced in the Harlem section of NYC at a time when band greats such as Chic Webb, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman were popular and it was there where the dance took on most of today’s popular steps and styling. Rock n’ Roll of the 1950s is best suited for East Coast swing dancing, but dancers also love swinging to music from the 30s and 40s.
Swing Dance Lessons for All Levels
Many popular dance styles have European or Latin origins, but swing dance is all American. As the song goes, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!” Born in the 1920s, swing dancing has gradually evolved over time, blending uplifting music, engaging social interaction, and physical benefits. Partygoers on both sides of the Atlantic became hooked on swing dancing thanks to the excitement generated by the bright and breezy dance moves.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Warren, New Jersey, we offer expert instruction in East Coast Swing basics for all experience levels. Whether it’s East Coast Swing or West Coast Swing, each variation of swing dancing puts a unique spin on the swing with different elements and tempos.
Unlike many other ballroom dances, most types of swing dancing involve a series of spins, kicks, jumps, and hand positions. Couples do not dance in hold, but they might hold hands, spin each other around, and perform dips and tricks. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a party, or just want to explore something new, you’re in good hands with the instructors at our studio.
Master the Triple Step
The Swing is a spot dance that does not move along the line of dance. Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic, using single, double, or triple rhythms. A relaxed shuffling movement and upper body sway are also used to highlight the swing.
The triple step is part of the basic steps of swing dance. West Coast Swing dancing comprises two walking steps and two triple steps, whereas East Coast swing dancing involves two triple steps and one step back with the left foot (rock step), which makes it more upbeat and bouncy.
East Coast Swing basics
The East Coast Swing basic steps use a basic 6-count pattern. Leaders start with a left foot rock step, replace weight on the right foot, triple step to the left, and triple step to the right. Followers step back with the right foot, replace weight on the left foot, triple step to the right, and triple step to the left.
Beginner East Coast Swing Dance Classes
Common East Coast Swing dance moves taught in beginner dance classes include the inside turn, the outside turn, the open break to closed, the cuddle (wrap), the hammerlock, and the shoulder check. These moves develop balance, rhythm, and lead-follow coordination essential for social dancing. The trip step or triple step is probably the most important one of the Swing dance steps, so beginners must focus on mastering it.
Advanced East Coast Swing Dance Classes
Advanced dancers master various steps and combinations to build precision and style. The windmill uses continuous turning, while the sans hands barrel roll sends the follower through a spin without contact. Hammerlock to sailor shuffles shifts into syncopated footwork, and the flatback fakeout redirects momentum with a deceptive lead.
Tilt-a-whirl with cross hands barrel roll layers spinning with hand changes, while double waist wrap to skater’s hold coils the follower into a skating position. The duck-out combination lets the follower slip under the leader’s arm, and the hip pop turn adds a sharp accent. The left side head roll rotates the head during a turn, and the fold from handshake reshapes the follower’s path from a handshake hold. These advanced East Coast Swing dance moves will refine your technique and expand your movement vocabulary.
Swing is Here to Stay
For many years, the better establishments frowned upon the wilder forms of Swing dancing because the acrobatics involved limited the number of people who could dance at one time. It is possible, however, to do fine dancing in a relatively small area. There is no question that Swing is here to stay. In all parts of the country, one can find dancers adding their own interpretations and changes to the style. All dances, in order to survive, must be built up from a firm basic movement so that adlibbing and complete freedom of expression can be interpreted into the dance. Swing has these attributes. Swing dancing was revived in the late 1990s to the early 2000s by such bands as the Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Try East Coast Swing at Our Dance Studio Today
From wedding dance instruction to a new hobby, or a way to connect with your partner, you’ll learn more, faster, and with more FUN, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios! Give us a call and ask about our Introductory Offer for new students. Our talented and friendly dance instructors in Warren are excited to help you start dancing today!
Group Classes and Private Lessons Available
Whether it’s your first time trying East Coast Swing or you’re a professional dancer learning the most advanced movements, we welcome you to take a dance class with us. Our students fill the dance floor with energy, excitement, and positivity as we explore the swing dance together.
Our professional instructors are ready to teach you East Coast Swing and provide a dance experience you’ll never forget.
East Coast Swing dance lessons are available now. You’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first dance!
Ballroom Dance Styles We Teach
Dancing is a great way to express your emotions. Hop on the dance floor and try a ballroom or Latin dance class with us. Get creative and have fun! To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, simply click on the dance style to learn more. Then give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and be sure to ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students. Together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey and make sure you leave each dance lesson feeling happy and more confident with your dancing skills!
Classes are available for students of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced and all ages. Adults and children are welcome! Fred Astaire ballroom dance lessons are fun, exciting, and a great way to express yourself.
Our exceptional staff is ready to take your dancing journey to the next level. Sign up for an intro class!