Swing dancing, a beloved social dance, is often defined by its exuberant moves, including lifts, spins, and flips.
It radiates an infectious energy that captivates both spectators and participants alike.
Like most dance forms, it offers room for personal expression, allowing dancers to infuse it with their unique style.
The roots of Swing dancing trace back to the 1920s and 30s in the United States.
During the challenging era of the Great Depression, dance halls were brimming with enthusiastic crowds, and the vibrant sounds of Jazz music filled the air, serving as a much-needed escape.
Initially, the term “Swing” primarily referred to the Jazz music style, which, in turn, served as the muse for this captivating dance.
As iconic Big Bands like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Paul Whiteman gained popularity, Swing dancing found its place in the hearts of the people.
Swing dance in more ways than one
Among the various Swing dances, Lindy Hop stands out as the most renowned.
Its origins can be traced back to the vibrant Harlem scene of the 1930s.
At its core, Lindy Hop features a fundamental 8-count circular movement known as the “swing out.”
However, what truly distinguishes Lindy Hop is its capacity for improvisation and adaptability.
Lindy hoppers are adept at incorporating additional 8-count and 6-count steps into the dance, infusing it with a sense of spontaneity and playfulness that sets it apart.
There’s also Balboa, collegiate shag, Charleston, and east and west coast swing.
Swing dance in today’s generation
Considering its age, one might say swing dance no longer exists.
However, this type of dance is still being practiced in all parts of the world and competitions are also being held regularly.
It only goes to show swing dance is ageless and will never be forgotten, not even in a million years.
This video is one of the many proofs that swing dance still lives and this couple will show us all how it’s fantastically done.
In what looks like a swing dance competition, a simple-looking couple proved to everyone that looks can be deceiving.
Watched by their fellow competitors, the couple decided to glide to ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ by the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis Presley.
Try to keep up, just try!
The couple started strong and sassy, immediately showing the type of foes they truly were.
Swing back and forth and from left to right, the couple was smooth on their feet like they were gliding on melting butter.
With all the twists, turns, and dips, the talented couple absolutely killed each and every movement, all the while keeping the attitude that’s right for the music.
And what’s swing dance without those continuous twirls?
And yes, it wasn’t just the woman who did it but also the guy.
How’s that for a swing dance performance?
Even their fellow contestants loved the routine.
The video of the couple’s swing dance performance was uploaded on YouTube and received massive attention with over 12 million views and over 300,000 likes.
Guess it’s about time for us to give more attention and interest to these types of dance, don’t you think so too?
Watch the couple’s slick swing dance performance in the video below!
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