The History and the Appeal of the Swing Dance Style

The dance style known as the swing has survived the test of time and continues to be practiced by millions all around the world. What exactly is the appeal of the swing dance style, though? Many have asked this since its inception, and the answer always seems to be the same, it is just a fun dance.

This is the case for so many dance styles. Those that are practiced the most are typically those that provide dancers with the greatest level of enjoyment. The other key is the accessibility of the dance. Dance styles that are near impossible to learn and master are obviously not going to be high on the list in terms of being sought after by beginner dancers. At the end of the day, dance is all about having fun and moving to the music. That is exactly what the swing dance style is all about. Let’s take a closer look at its history and appeal.

The History of the Swing Dance Style

The swing dance style burst onto the scene in the 1920s along with the musical style known as jazz. The two were a match made in heaven and brought forward what was known as swing-era music. There were many different versions of the swing back then based on where it was being practiced. One of the most popular, the Lindy Hop, originated in Harlem towards the end of the 1920s and early 1930s.

The swing dance style emerged and evolved across the United States and spread throughout the world. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others all and their own regional styles of the swing. Some other common forms of the swing included the Balboa, Collegiate Shag, as well as Jitterbug.

So What Is the Swing All About?

The style of dance known as the swing is all about the timing of dance moves to the music. Many swing dancers refer to these steps as trip steps and steps, or quarter notes and eighth notes. The whole idea of the swing is to interpret the music and go with it, keeping up with its changes in pace and beat based on how the music is playing out to your ears.

There is a lot of improvisation in the swing dance style, which is what makes it so much fun for the masses. There are so many different styles that you can easily adapt and put your own twist on the swing to make it uniquely yours if you wish.

What Makes It Appealing

The most appealing part of the swing is the fact that it is so accessible to just about everyone. If you want to move to music and enjoy letting yourself go by dancing the night away, the swing is for you. It is one of the most enjoyable dances to take part in with a group of people. It is not uncommon for a group of individuals to get together and just have a great time swing dancing, improvising, and putting their own creative twists and dance moves together to some high-tempo and upbeat music.

Learning the swing dance style is definitely going to require a lesson or two. You are going to want to get the basic moves down so that you can advance and progress yourself to bigger and better things. Start with some of the basic moves and from there, you will be able to let your creativity run wild. When it is all said and done, that is what the swing is all about, having a great time and letting yourself move to the music.

The swing dance style exploded in the early to mid-1900s during a period when people in the United States needed something to smile about. The swing style of dance puts smiles on the faces of those doing the dance, as well as those watching people perform the dance. Focused on creativity, flow, and upbeat music, the swing dance style continues to evolve around the world as a go-to style for dance experts and beginners alike. The accessibility of the style of dance makes it such that it is great for anyone to try for the first time. Once you get a few lessons down, you should feel confident enough in yourself to start to infuse your own creativity into it and move to the great of some great high-tempo music and positive vibes.