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Learn About the
Swing
An American Rhythm Dance
(Jive - International Latin)
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The Swing is
truly an American dance. It first appeared in the 1920's in
commemoration of Lindbergh's solo flight across the ocean. During
the 1930's it was part of the Swing era and was known as the
Jitterbug and took on a very acrobatic appearance. The American GIs
introduced the swing to the European stage. The English adapted the
Jive from the Swing, and it is danced today to very fast music.
The Swing is
one of the most versatile of all of the dances. The music expresses
a high energy and started with some of the greats like Benny
Goodman, Cab Calloway, Tommy Dorsey and so many other greats. Today
Swing music can be Rock-n-Roll, Top 40, Country, Beach, the old and
the new Big Band sound.
The different styles of music have lead to
different styles of the Swing. The big band style supports the East
Coast Swing, Jitterbug, Lindy, and Jive. Rock and country sounds
encourage the East Coast Swing and the West Coast Swing. Beach
music makes the Shag the dance of choice. In the competition world
the East Coast Swing is danced in the American Style heats and the
Jive is danced in the International style.
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Character:
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Fast, fun. bouncy and
rhythmical, rig & hip actions are essential.
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1. |
Rocking
Actions, Triple Actions, Walking Steps |
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2. |
Elevated
knee actions “up” between small steps |
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3. |
Subtle use
of Rib-Cage action; Cuban Motion on Rock Steps, end of Triples
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4. |
American
Swing - Shuffling and Casual, Jive - Bouncy and Spirited |
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5. |
Maximize
energy going down into floor not across floor. |
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6. |
Fast and
Fun, "Totally Let Go" |
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American Footwork: |
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Chasses
(Triple) Actions are:
Ball/Flat - Ball - Ball/Flat
Rocking Actions:
*Bal/Flat Ball/Flat
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Note 1.
* "Back" Rocking the heel may or may not lower depending on the speed
of the music.
Note 2.
When dancing Lindy Turns (Whips) the right "hooking" foot should be
placed with weight on the ball of the foot only.
Note 3.
Footwork in Jive is “Balls” of feet due to the fast speed
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Tempo:
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American: 28
- 48 MPM
Int. Jive: 44 - 46
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Count:
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American
patterns
utilize either 6 or 8 counts for most basics.
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1 - a - 2 ,
3 - a - 4 , 5, 6 |
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3/4 1/4 1
3/4 1/4 1 1 1 |
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1 - a - 2 , 3,
4 5 - a - 6, 7, 8 |
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3/4 1/4 1
1 1 3/4 1/4 1
1 1 |
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Note 1. There are two main rhythmical variations in
the basic East Coast Swing, the Basic and Lindy rhythm.
The Basic rhythm uses 6 beats for one basic, while the Lindy
rhythm use 8. There
are other counts that can be used with advanced elements. |
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Note
2. There are three main counts used in the Swing. Stepping
on the __ .
1.
Single Rhythm
1 - 2,
3 - 4, 5
6
Slow
Slow Quick Quick
2.
Double Rhythm
1
2, 3
4, 5
6
Tap Step
Tap Step Rock Step
3.
Triple Rhythm
1 a
2, 3 a
4, 5 - 6 |
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This content is intended as general information and should
not be used in lieu of an actual dance class to learn the
aforementioned dance. |
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