Dance Styles

What is Swing Dance?

Swing dance is an umbrella term for the many dance styles that emerged in response to swing music in the 1920s through 1945. 

Fundamentals of Partner Dancing

Our lessons are designed to give you the confidence and tools to break out and dance! When you hear music that makes you want to dance, you'll know how to move your body in ways that express the joy you feel.

Lindy Hop

This is the king of swing dances! Inspired by the changing rhythms and arrangements introduced and played by popular black musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb, and Count Basie. 

Most of the moves we do today were invented by young black Americans who danced at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, NY in the 1930's. This is also the most versatile of the dance forms we teach, and can be danced to all tempos, and can express a wide range of feelings in response to the music.

Charleston

This is the grandfather of swing dances! Born in the 1910's and 1920's, this dance was a response to the march-like rhythms of popular music of this time. Charleston is great for fast music and New Orleans-style swing music.

Collegiate Shag

An athletic step typically done to faster music, originating from black communities in the Carolinas during the 1920-1930's. This dance is different from its cousin the Carolina Shag, which has a strong emphasis on smooth footwork and creating flowy shapes. In contrast, the Collegiate Shag emphasizes a bouncy upward pulse with quick rhythmic footwork variations.

Balboa-Swing

Rumor has it that Balboa and Bal-Swing originated in Balboa California, where dance floors were so crowded that dancers weren't allowed to 'swing out', or that the dance floor wasn't structurally sound enough for swing outs. In response, dancers modified their steps to be small and precise, and to keep their partners close. This dance is great for crowded floors, and fast music!

Slow-Bal, its versatile derivative, is great for enjoying music of all tempos.