Swing dance was developed and became known back in the 1920s to 1940s which is also referred to as the “swing era”.
Since then, hundreds of other swing dances were developed but only a few survived beyond the said era like Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Charleston.
The best-known of these dances is the Lindy Hop which originated in the early 1930s in Harlem.
Then, West Coast Swing was born.
This style is a partner dance with roots in the Lindy Hop. The majority (if not all) of steps in this type of dance are improvised, putting both partners’ skills to a test.
According to Wikipedia West Coast Swing is:
“…characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor.”
That’s exactly what this video is all about.
A dance competition.
A couple danced to a random song at the Champions Invitational division of the competition and earned not only over 7.3 million views but also a standing ovation from their fellow competitors.
None of the competitors had a designated partner.
Instread, before each performance starts, one must pick a random partner and then they must also pick from a random selection of songs. The caveat? If they don’t choose the first or second song, they are stuck with the third.
In the Champions Invitational division, there are three random songs that they can choose from. They will let them hear the beat of each song and they can decide whether they want to “stick” (keep the song) or “twist” (switch song).
A random partner and a random song? Sounds fun, right?
The destined partners are Jordan Frisbee and Emeline Rochefeuille.
Bothe are professional dancers. Frisbee started dancing at the age of 11. To name his previous dance partners, there is Olivia Dasso, Jessica Cox, and Tatiana Mollmann.
What separates him from other dancers is his unique style of dancing.
“Jordan is known for his smooth and effortless styling, signature moves, and innovative and unique choreography. His performance abilities have touched the hearts of audiences all over the world. He takes pride in expressing his love for the dance whenever he is on the floor. He is a perfectionist and self-proclaimed “Workaholic.” Always the professional, the community sees him as a responsible person, and role model to the youth.”
Looks like the random song is not so random after all.
After hearing a couple of beats from the first random song, they decide to “twist” and go for another song.
Then comes the second song, they let Jordan and Emeline hear the first beats and everyone goes bananas.
It’s “Macarena” by Los del Río!
The audience, as well as their fellow competitors, urge them to “stick” to the song, to which the couple obliges.
A 1990s dance craze and a talented couple – let the dancing begin!
It’s never easy to dance with a random partner, let alone a random song, wouldn’t you agree? But not for Frisbee and Rochefeuille, they look so excited, and their bodies will eventually show it.
With the uproar of cheers, whistles, and waves of applause, how can they disappoint everyone watching?
As soon as the famous Macarena beat starts playing, the two flash lovely smiles on their faces before they even start moving. It simply shows how they truly love dancing and they owe it all to the supportive crowd and fellow dancers.
Improvised moves at their finest.
Within seconds of the song, Jordan and Emeline begin feeling the rhythm of the beat, and soon they’re bodies are already flowing naturally to Macarena.
They give a glimpse of the original steps of the 90s dance before making it their own.
The crowd is enjoying their performance as much as the couple is enjoying it. Everyone is all smiles, there’s just really something about the song that makes us remember the “good old days”.
To think that they are just improvising their movements is simply amazing!
Soon, Frisbee and Rochefeuille become salt & pepper.
In the latter parts of their performance, they start moving as one.
It almost looks like they really rehearsed those movements. Both Jordan and Emeline are just feeling sassy and having fun while everybody else is watching them in awe.
It doesn’t feel like a competition, it’s more like a dance production number. The crowd showers them with unending rounds of applause while their fellow dancers give them a standing ovation!
Watch the video below to see Jordan and Emeline as they energetically swing to Macarena.
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