Swing Dance

Heather Mills (amputee) and Jonathan Roberts on 'Dancing with the Stars'Background

The Swing is one of the few truly American Dances. The dance is based on the improvisational qualities of the Charleston developed by African-Americans at the turn of the 20th Century. The dance, as well as the music, has the spirit of fun, excitement and American ingenuity.  One of the earlier forms was nick-named the "Lindy" after Charles Lindburgh's trans-Atlantic flight.

 

Music: Any medium-tempo swing music, Benny Goodman, Counte Basie, Indigo Swing, etc.

 

Group Shape: In partners, scattered around the floor.

 

Actions: Stepping in place and moving around partner, holding hands

 

 

Steps – Upper Body

 

Basic Hand Position

  • Grip fingertips with partner, with enough tension to hold on yet relaxed so that fingers can pivot with partner for the turns.

  • Partner A holds hands out palms facing up

  • Partner B holds hands out palms facing down.

 

 

Spins

One partner signals the spin by lifting one hand (joined with partner) above the other's head and indicates direction by giving a quick tug, then release toward the direction of the raised arm. The spin is initiated while taking the first step of the pattern and completed to resume facing partner by the Rock-Step.

 

Teaching Tip: Use discovery learning, show the basic method of spinning and then ask students to determine how many spins they can create. After a few minutes of music and experimentation, have students demonstrate one or two of their favorite spins

 

Partner A Arch

Arm Movements

·         "A" lifts left hand just above "B"s head and the Right hand gives a quick tug, then release toward the direction of the Left arm. Can also be done with Right hand

Verbal Cue

·         "A" Left/Right Arch

 

Partner B Arch

Arm Movements

·         Same mechanics however "A" does the spinning

Verbal Cue

·         "B" Left/Right Arch

 

Partner A Loop

Arm Movements

·         "A" lifts Left hand in front of "B"s head and the Right hand gives a quick tug, then release toward the Left arm while the Left hand is following around "B"s head. Can be done with Right hand as well.

Verbal Cue

·         "A" Left/Right Loop

 

Partner B Loop

Arm Movements

·         Same, except "A" spins

Verbal Cue

·         "B" Left/Right Loop

 

Octopus

Arm Movements

  • Both partners lift joined hands above head and bring left hands behind their own neck (1 full count).

  • Release hands and slide down the arms to rejoin Right hands (1 full count).

  • Rock-Step

  • Next with Right hands joined, "A" will lead "B" into a spin and change back to the normal hand hold on the next Rock-Step

Verbal Cue

  • Octopus 1

 

Dishrag

Arm Movements

  • Holding both hands close together, both partners turn underneath hands in a full circle

  • Tip: while spinning, hold high and behind the head, and keep the hands together during the whole spin.

Verbal Cue

  • Dishrag

 

 

Steps – Lower Body

 

Partner A (Leader)

Foot Movements

  • Step on Left Foot (1 full count)

  • Step on Right Foot (1 full count)

  • Rock Step - Place Left Toe just behind Right Foot, followed by a quick weight change from Left to Right foot (2 half counts)

  • Repeat for duration of song

Verbal Cue

  • Step, Step, Rock-Step

 

Partner B (Follower)

Foot Movements

  • Simultaneous movement as Partner A, but exact opposite, starting on Right Foot

Verbal Cue

  • Step, Step, Rock-Step

 

 

Translations

 

Wheelchair translation

If child in wheelchair has upper body strength, then, using a tall partner, create spins with one hand, have child in wheelchair propel the chair in the appropriate direction for the spin.

 

Other Mobility translations

Try doing just the arm movements while in the pool, on a slippery floor with Partner B sitting.

 

Other Translations

Use more of the C&W Jitterbug style of dance, which focuses on the spins, and not on the footwork. Partners can just perform the leads and allow the feet to just "get there".