The
Eastern Swing
HISTORY
The Eastern Swing, originally called the Lindy Hop, was born
in the South of the U.S.A., and is the most famous American
folk dance. The best forms of Swing included Charleston,
Black Bottom, Shag, and Lindy Hop. In the early 40's, these
forms consolidated into what was called the Lindy.
The Lindy was first danced as a modified Box Step, with a
slight shuffling movement. The shuffling movement of the
original Lindy can be likened to today's single rhythm in
Swing. As the shuffling, or single rhythm progressed, it
evolved into both the Double and Triple Lindy, and today all
three form the basis of good Swing dancing.
About 50 years ago, the Swing was danced in the Harlem
section of New York City… at a time when such band greats as
Chick Webb, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman were holding
sway. It was in Harlem where the Swing took on most of
today's popular steps and styling.
For many years now, the better establishments have frowned
upon the wilder forms of the Swing because the acrobatics
involved limited the number of people who could dance at one
time. It is possible, however, to do a fine Swing in a
relatively small area, providing the dancers are better than
average and have an assortment of dance breaks. There is no
question that the dance is here to stay, for in all parts of
the country, you will find dancers adding their own
interpretations and changes of style. All dances, in order
to survive, must be built up from a firm basic movement so
that ad-libbing and complete freedom of expression can be
interpreted into the dance. The Swing has these attributes.
STYLE
The Swing is a spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance
(LOD). Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic, using
Single, Double, and Triple rhythms. Relaxed, shuffling
movement and use of counter Sway highlight the style of this
dance.
MUSIC AND TEMPO
The Swing music is written in 4/4 time and should be played
at a tempo of 40-45 measures per minute for examinations and
competitions.
