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The Story of Swing Dancing!

swing dance classes in Mesa ArizonaIn 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!

Let’s Swing!

You have been thinking about learning to Swing dance, but it seems that something always comes up. You never seem to have the time, or maybe you’re just not sure how to get started. In addition, there are so many styles of Swing dances that you just aren’t sure which dance you would like to learn.  To get started with Swing dance lessons, we recommend that you give the Jitterbug a try.  This is a ballroom Swing dance that is very versatile and which many people enjoy.

When Swing dancing, you just can’t help smiling and having a great time! With over 24 variations of the Swing to choose from, it can be confusing as to which style is right for you. We suggest beginning with East Coast/Jitterbug Swing dance lessons for several reasons. First, you can dance the Jitterbug Swing to Rock and Roll, Country and Big Band music. How cool is that! Also, it’s the easiest of all of the Swing dance variations because it has fewer steps when compared to other styles.

 

Swing dancing is exciting, energetic, and because there are so many Swing dance tempos and styles, it is used everywhere from weddings to bars. The rhythm of the dance, as mentioned above, lends itself well to a large number of musical styles from Jazz to Big Band, Country, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies, making Swing a must-have dance! While each style has its own features, in general it is the ideal dance for any social occasion. Swing dancing is quite popular and can encourage even non-dancers to tap their feet and move to the music.

 

Whether you learn to Jitterbug, Jive, West Coast or Lindy Hop, they all fall under the general term of Swing dancing. Swing is a fun-loving dance that makes people happy! It is truly an American dance that has world-wide appeal. Swing dancing originated in the 1920’s with Jazz and Swing bands. At the time, was considered rebellious. Every generation has produced a new revival in Swing of some kind because it is so much fun! Originally used as an outlet for pent-up energy, this dance has continued to draw enthusiasts from around the world. If you enjoy dancing then Swing dancing is sure to lift your spirits.

These are just a few of the variations of Swing:

 

Single Time Swing/Jitterbug – is best suited for music like Big Band, Country, and Rock and Roll. The footwork is very simple. It’s a lot like learning to drive an automatic instead of a stick shift because once you get moving, it’s smooth sailing. This dance style is nothing but fun, fun, fun!

 

Triple Time Swing – works well with Jazz, Rock and Pop music and is very popular, especially in ballroom dance studios. Modern music is much slower than the old Big Band tunes so this variation is much more commonly taught in general. The style is very free and easy.

 

Lindy Hop Swing – is a popular version of Swing dancing because of the fun kicks and lifts associated with it. Lindy can also be cool and sophisticated. The most important aspect of it is that you enjoy it! 

West Coast Swing – goes well with Jazz, Rock, Country and even Hip Hop music. It is often danced to more sultry music and tends to have a jazzier, sexier feel than the East Coast Swing and this is reflected in the styling.

 

Are you ready to get Swinging? Dance FX Studios, near Tempe and Chandler, is located in Mesa. We are here to get you going on this new venture with private ballroom dance lessons and prepare you to be able to dance anywhere for any occasion. Dance FX Studios We have helped thousands of students become proficient dancers in Swing dancing and beyond. You can begin with Swing dance lessons for yourself or you and a partner with our Introductory Special of only $40! This one hour private Swing dance lesson is a great way to check out our studio and to be introduced to our exclusive method of teaching. One hour is all it takes to show you how easy and exciting learning to dance can be for anyone! From there, we will show you fun turns and twists to keep you on the dance floor all night long! What are you waiting for? It’s time to dance!