Did you know that there are over 20 styles of Swing dancing? Pretty amazing, huh? Swing dancing has grown and evolved over that last 80 years to take on many unique looks and variations. From playful to sultry, Swing dancing today is both useful and popular. If you’re interested in discovering Swing dancing, here are the top three Swing dance styles that would be key for you to explore in 2016.

Of course, if you’re going to take the time to learn to Swing dance, let me begin by recommending Private Swing Dance Lessons, rather than Group Dance Classes. With one-on-one instruction, you will gain the information needed to be a confident social dancer. You should also receive great tips based on how you learn best. For example, if you’re a visual learner, your instructor can show you specific techniques as he/she is explaining them to you, so you can get on the fast track to learning to dance. Regardless of the dance style you want to try, Private Dance Lessons are always the more efficient and productive way towards reaching your goals of becoming a comfortable social dancer. Now, on to my suggestions for which Swing dances to learn in the new year.

1. Country Swing. OK, I’m sort of cheating here because Country Swing is not one of the recognized Swing dances of the 20+ styles that I mentioned earlier, at least in the ballroom dance world. It is actually an offshoot of East Coast Swing (Single Time Swing), an official ballroom dance. But, if you happen to be an Arizona resident like I am, “Country Swing” dancing has definitely taken on a life of it’s own. It is considered a social dance, at least by laypeople, that many come in to our Phoenix dance studio to learn daily. For that reason, and due to Country music’s extreme popularity these days, I say go ahead and ask for Country Swing. Any social dance studio should know what you mean, and what look you’re going for, so that you can fit in at any Country bar.

On that note, it is important to realize that when you go to a dance studio for instruction, you will learn timing, technique and detail that may not be used by untrained dancers. That’s a great thing, because you can then approach the dance floor with great style and a fun new skill. How exciting!

2. West Coast Swing. West Coast is a really cool version of Swing dancing that applies to more mid-tempo music. It is done on what’s called a “slot” where you move back and forth in a linear fashion, without traveling. Although West Coast Swing lessons are best for an intermediate dancer, rather than a beginner (just my opinion), it’s a very useful Swing dance style to know. I suggest learning the principles of lead and follow through other dances first before touching on the West Coast Swing, but please take the time to learn this amazing dance down the road as it will most likely be used for some of your favorite tunes.

3. Jitterbug. Jitterbug is also an East Coast Swing dance style, which, according to dancers, is technically the same as the Country Swing. The main difference is the styling associated with the Jitterbug. There’s more finesse and control included in the Jitterbug, and it covers different kinds of music, but many of the moves are the same. With Jitterbug dancing, you will be able to dance to Rock and Roll music and oldies, so it too is a very common, easy and popular kind of Swing dance that I think is a must-have in your repertoire.

It’s your turn to discover how to Swing dance this year! Once you do, you will see all of the amazing benefits of knowing how to dance, from improved health to meeting new friends to gaining confidence at social events. Give yourself the gift of dance, you’ll be glad you did!