The Story of Swing Dancing!
In the early 1920’s through the 1950’s, during the evolution of Jazz Music, the history of Swing Dance begins. Surprisingly, “swing dancing” was not commonly used to identify a group of dances until late into the twentieth century. Historically, the term “Swing” referred to the style of jazz music, when Big Bands took over pop culture in the mid twenties. Two key dances that came from the Harlem Big Bands during in the 1920’s were called The Charleston and The Lindy Hop. By mixing African American cultural dances with various ballroom dances and, a bit of creativity lent by the brilliant sound of jazz music, Swing dancing had begun to grow.
Leading into the late 1930’s, Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Jitterbug were sweeping the United States. The term “Lindy Hop”, a very popular style of swing dancing, was coined by dancers in New York. The myth was that “Shorty” George Snowden, during an interview with a reporter who asked him what kind of dance he was doing, described it as the “Lindy Hop” inspired by pilot Charles Lindbergh, who in 1927, made history by “hopping” over the Atlantic. Pretty cool fun fact, right?
At the time, The American Society of Teachers and Dancing as well as the Dance Teachers Business Association believed Lindy Hop to be a fad and something that wouldn’t last. However, dances like Shag, Balboa, West Coast Swing and Jive, would soon be know around the world.
During the 1930’s, a dance called the “Jitterbug”, a very popular swing dance today, was created when a band leader compared the dancers to jitterbugs bouncing on the floor. There was even a song introduced called the “Jitter Bug” in their honor.
Dance schools across America would not formally recognize, or begin teaching these swing dances until the early 1940’s when they could no longer be ignored and looked at as just a fad. After deciding to refine and standardize the Lindy Hop for easier instruction at dance schools, what we dance now is called The East Coast Swing. Very soon after, a dance called the “Smooth Lindy” was created in California by a Mr. Dean Collins. Originally from Harlem, Mr. Collins began to dance with a more fluid and slower swing which caught on very quickly on the West Coast. The dance took on a slotted motion rather than having a circular look to it and was soon re-named the “West Coast Swing,” which is the official state dance of California to this day.
Swing dancing has developed as a mainstay in American dance culture throughout the years. The dance known simply as the “Swing” has managed to remain a staple dance attracting young and old alike.
Famous original Swing dancers like: “Shorty George” Snowden, Frankie Manning and Dean Collins all made it their missions to bring this dance into our lives and share it with the world, and now YOU can learn how to dance Swing too! A beginner’s swing dance class may take many different forms around the world, but here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ we offer the most popular social Swing dances including East Coast Swing, Jitterbug and West Coast Swing, while also providing an easy and fun introduction to partner dancing!
Ironically, there’s one dance that does not have a long, rich history, but is a must-have dance today, and that is the Country Swing. Country Swing dancing is not an officially recognized swing dance amongst ballroom dance societies, but it is quite useful-especially if you love to go Country dancing!
Here you will find yourself using these swing dance varieties everywhere in Arizona, from the Country bars to weddings and other social dance events. Swing dancing is popular amongst all ages as a FUN and PLAYFUL dance with many looks and styles. Express yourself on the dance floor with swing dance lessons today!
