'Swing' is not a dance unto itself; it combines many dances from the 1920's through to the 1940's. This is what makes it so versatile, entertaining and fun! Swingcopation can teach & perform many of these styles and rhythms, and we love each and every one. Here is a list with descriptions of the main things we do. After something else? Just email us and ask, we've got many aces up our sleeve!
The quintessential and arguably the pinnacle of swing dance, the Lindy Hop is a free flowing dance combining improvisation, musicality and playful 'conversation' between dancers. Combining 6-beat and 8-beat rhythms, there is no limit to the creativity you can achieve on the dance floor! With a name coined after Charles Lindbergh 'hopped' the Atlantic in 1927 and made famous by those such as the late Frankie Manning, it is by far the most popular swing dance rhythm seen in swing scenes around the world today.
One of the most iconic and recognisable dances from the swing era, the 20's Charleston was made famous by the 'flappers': rebellious young girls in fringe dresses that (heaven forbid!) came to just below the knee. Now danced by the guys and gals alike, it's a happy, boppy, singularly joyful dance whether done with a partner or alone.
Evolving to a much freer, relaxed movement, people doing Charleston in the 30's and 40's got down and added kicks instead of taps giving the dance a high energy and adaptable steps. Normally performed either beside your partner or in a one-behind-the-other tandem position, and commonly combined with lindy hop, it's a mainstay of swing dance today.
Swing dancing is well known for the high-flying flips and throws that accompany many performances and competitions. Though not for the social dance floor, aerials and air-steps are eye catching and amazing when done right! Technique and safety when learning these moves are a number one priority, and are always taught in a 'one step at a time' format to make everyone feel comfortable.
Evolving mostly from the old Slow Drag, blues dancing today involves slow, smooth, interpretive moves without set footwork, and most commonly danced in a very closed connected position. Even the smallest of movements can make a blues dance exciting, and contrasts strongly against the larger energetic moves of lindy hop and Charleston. One of the best ways to improve leading and following, as well as body isolation and control, blues has had a worldwide resurgence in recent years.
Originating in southern California in the 20's and 30's, Balboa came to be from the hugely crowded dance halls and ballrooms of the day. Danced in a full contact closed position and taking up very little space, it is very much a 'dancer's dance' rather than one for spectating due to its subtle movements and weight changes usually not visible to onlookers. Great for high speed tunes where lindy hop and Charleston are too much work, Balboa has also developed a large following in recent years all over the world.
Swing dancing combines many jazz movements and steps in its partner dancing, so also lends itself to being danced individually. This is not a modern interpretation, people danced by themselves back in the day too! Today, solo jazz combines many elements of Charleston (both 20's and 30's/40's), traditional jazz, and adaptations of partner lindy hop movements.
