Swing dancing covers a range of styles (including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and Blues) danced to swing music. Swing developed from the jazz of the 1920s and the ‘Swing Era’ covered the years during the 1930s and 1940s when swing music and big bands were at their peak popularity. Band leaders such as Chick Webb, Count Basie and Duke Ellington were regulars at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem where Lindy Hop developed.
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is the main dance we teach, which originated in the African American communities of Harlem, New York, in the 1920s. It’s an improvisational partner dance and incorporates African traditions of social and circle dancing. It evolved from a variety of social dances such as the Cakewalk, the Breakaway and partnered Charleston.
Charleston
Charleston is one of the most famous dances of the swing era (regularly featuring on ‘Strictly’) and can be danced solo or with a partner. It originated in the black communities in the southern United States particularly around Charleston, South Carolina and became popular in the 1920s. Later a variant developed which better matched the swing of Lindy Hop which is often called Lindy Charleston or ’30s Charleston.
Balboa
The Balboa is a couples swing dance that originated in Southern California during the 1920s (named after the Balboa Peninsula, where it was invented) and spread quickly around the world. The dance is designed for crowded dance floors and fast music, using a close hold that makes it possible to dance in small spaces. Shuffling footwork and variations, together with steps influenced by Lindy Hop including many turns, make this a unique and fun dance to be able to enjoy faster tempo and broaden your swing dance repertoire.
Solo Jazz
Solo Jazz covers a variety of steps and moves and can be improvised or part of a routine like the Shim Sham, Tranky Doo, Mama Stew or Big Apple. It’s a good opportunity to focus on your own dancing and movement and will also help improve your partner dancing.
Shag
Shag has grown in popularity in recent years and is a high energy dance suited to faster music. Variants include Collegiate Shag and St Louis Shag and back in the day most regions had their own shag variant. What is today referred to as Collegiate Shag probably originated with college kids during the jazz and swing era. It’s usually associated with a 6-count basic, quick and flashy footwork and a chugging rhythm. It may be danced in closed position, open position or side by side.
Check out our Resources page for more links to Swing Dance History.
swingexe.co.uk 