Swing dancing today consists of a family of surviving forms that came out of the 1920 – 1940’s era of swing-style jazz music, their roots tracing back to African American dance. There’s so much history to swing; we highly recommend lots of reading!
Lindy Hop
Originating in the African American community of Harlem, Lindy Hop is the most popular style of swing around the world. It’s the foundation of our lives as dancers and really is as simple as walking with style. OK… there are some other things to it, but trust us, it’s very user friendly. With a combination of different rhythms with some spins, tucks and turns thrown in, Lindy Hop is playful, musical and mischievous. You’ll love it.
BALBOA
Developed in the tightly-packed dance halls of Southern California, you’ll often see Balboa break out when faster music pulses across the floor. With an emphasis on slick footwork, finesse and partnership, it’s like great cheese and wine: enjoyed by lovers of the finer things in life. Get into it and you’ll be hooked!
Charleston
A popular dance of the Roaring 20s, you can dance Charleston to hot jazz either solo or with a partner. This is a crazy, fun, energetic and happy dance that will have you shimmy-shaking into the wee hours of the morning.
Collegiate Shag
Those smiles don’t lie, this is another fun and happy form, which originated in the colleges of Southern California. If you wanna get your heart, mind and soul positively pumping, Shag’s the one for you.
Blues
A dance as varied as the music it’s done to, Blues is all about rhythm, groundedness, and improvisation. Whether you’re Ballrooming, Jooking or dancing solo, Blues is a perfect avenue for expression, connection and creativity.
Vernacular Jazz
Jazz encapsulates not just an art-form, but the sound, history and stories that make up the tapestry of culture. Vernacular Jazz can be danced solo, or in partnership and includes classic moves like the Suzie Q, Truckin’, Peckin’ and the Shorty George, which each reference their own stories, and figures throughout history.