Swing Dance

Swing dance

A vibrant and energetic partner dance that

emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, alongside the swing era of jazz

music. It's characterized by its improvisational nature, lively

footwork, and playful partnering.

Bodabil Era

During the 1920s and 1930s, the __________

introduced Filipinos to Western entertainment, including jazz

music and dance styles like the jitterbug, which is a precursor to

modern swing dance.

American Influence

The American military presence in the

Philippines during World War II further exposed Filipinos to

American culture, including swing dance.

Musicality

Dancers are deeply connected to the rhythm and energy of the music. (KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SWING DANCE)

Improvisation

A large part of swing dancing is

improvising within the structure of the dance. (KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SWING DANCE)

Footwork

The ________ is often intricate and rhythmic, involving quick steps, kicks, and turns. (KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SWING DANCE)

Swing Dance

A vibrant and energetic

partner dance that emerged in the 1920s

and 1930s, alongside the swing era of jazz

music.

Lindy Hop

Known for its aerials and

acrobatic moves. (TYPES OF SWING DANCE)

East Coast Swing

A smoother and more

structured style. (TYPES OF SWING DANCE)

West Coast Swing

Emphasizes smooth,

flowing movements and improvisation. (TYPES OF SWING DANCE)

Balboa

A fast-paced and intricate style. (TYPES OF SWING DANCE)

Rock Step

A foundational step where the dancer shifts weight back onto one foot

and then forward onto the other, often used to start the dance. (BASIC SWING DANCE STEPS)

Triple Step

A three-part step often counted as "1-and-2" or "triple step." It involves

stepping to the side, bringing the feet together, and stepping again (BASIC SWING DANCE STEPS)

Charleston Basic

A solo or partnered step that involves forward and backward kicks.

Often performed in a “kick, step, back step, kick” rhythm. (BASIC SWING DANCE STEPS)

Lead and Follow

The lead (BOYS) guides the

movement, while the follow (GIRLS) responds

to cues, creating a dynamic partnership. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Frame

Refers to how partners hold and control their upper bodies to maintain a stable connection and communicate movement effectively. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Connection

The physical and rhythmic link between partners, crucial for smooth transitions and accurate leading and following. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Break

A change in rhythm or a pause,

often used to emphasize musical accents. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Dip

A move where one partner (usually the

follow) leans back or to the side, supported

by the lead. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Lindy Circle

A closed-position move

where partners circle each other, often

ending back in a basic stance or

transitioning to another move. (KEY SWING DANCE TERMINOLOGIES)

Open Position

In _________ , partners face

each other and are connected only

by their hands, usually with a single

or double hand hold.

This position is commonly used in

Lindy Hop and other swing styles

for moves like the Swing Out,

where the lead sends the follow out

and brings them back in.

Closed Position

This is the starting position in

many swing dances. The lead and

follow face each other, typically

the lead is holding the follow’s

hands

This position allows for close,

controlled movements and can

transition smoothly to other

positions.

Side-by-side Position (A.k.a Side Position)

Partners stand beside each other,

often with the lead’s arm around

the follow’s back and the follow’s

hand resting on the lead’s shoulder.

The other hands hold in front.

This position is often used in the

Charleston and allows for easy

kicks and synchronized footwork.

Back Cross-hand hold position

Partners hold opposite hands

(right to right and left to left),

forming an “X” shape between

them.

This position allows for moves

where the lead spins the follow

and vice versa, providing a

versatile setup for dynamic turns

and spins.

Tandem Position

Both partners face the same

direction, with the lead directly

behind the follow. The lead’s

hands hold the follow’s waist or

shoulders.

Often used in Charleston

variations, this position allows

for kicks and intricate footwork

in sync.

Hand-to-hand Positiob

Partners hold hands but only

one hand is connected

(either right to right or left to

left).

This position is used for

spins and turns, where one

hand acts as the pivot point

for the move.

Cuddle Position (a.k.a Wrap Position)

The follow is wrapped in the lead’s

arms, often with both hands held

at shoulder height or lower, and

can face the same direction as the

lead.

This position is often used in East

Coast Swing for spins and

transitions between other

positions.