Swing

“Swing” refers to a family of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the United States during the 1920s-1940s. These dances are characterized by a strong emphasis on improvisation, energetic movements, and a playful spirit. Some of the popular swing dances include the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Jitterbug.

Lindy Hop is often considered the original swing dance, and is known for its energetic and athletic style, incorporating both eight-count and six-count patterns. It includes various spins, turns, and aerials.

East Coast Swing is a simplified form of the Lindy Hop that emerged in the 1940s. It is often referred to as the “jitterbug” and is characterized by its basic six-count patterns. East Coast Swing is a popular social dance and is commonly danced to big band and rock and roll music.

West Coast Swing developed on the West Coast of the United States as a smoother, more refined version of swing dance, and is typically danced to slower tempos and allows for a greater emphasis on partner connection, improvisation, and intricate footwork.