History
The Western Swing has quickly gained popularity across
the United States because of its more sophisticated style
and easy adaptation to today's modern Rock music.
Originally, a regional style popular in the West and
Southwest of the U.S.A., the Western Swing made its bid as a
nationally accepted style of Swing in the late 50's and has
been gaining strength ever since.
The Western Swing incorporates many forms of Swing
including, Lindy, Shag, Whip, and Push. Versatile dancers,
eager to display their talents, are ever creating new and
interesting movements in the Swing.
In the 40-odd years of its existence, the Western Swing has
proven that it can endure the test of time. As with the
Eastern Swing, it is possible to dance the Western Swing in
a relatively small area, providing the dancers have an
assortment of dance breaks. There is no question that the
dance is here to stay -- for 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 Western Swing has these
attributes.
Music and Tempo
The Western Swing music is written in 4/4 time and should
be played at a tempo of 30-36 measures per minute for
examinations and competitions.
Style
The Western Swing is a spot dance, not moving along the
Line of Dance (LOD). Its slower tempo allows for freer
rhythmic interpretation, using Single, Double, and Triple
rhythms. Relaxed, sometimes shuffling, movement and upright
position are characteristic of the Western Swing. Occasional
use of Hip Movement and/or Push Style are also used to
enhance the style of the dance. The use of SLOT dancing is,
in most cases, a major part of the dance.
Slot Dancing
The basic premise of the Western Swing is that the Man
and Lady change places with each other in a SLOT established
by the Man when he leads the Lady to Open Position. In most
cases, the Man will therefore, travel as much as the Lady.
The Man's use of different Link Steps regulates the position
and direction of the Slot.
