Developed sometime during the 1920s until the 1940s, swing dance has quite a history. Initially, “swing” was used to describe or refer to jazz music, until the dance craze took over. Because people were big on large gatherings, loud music, and fun times during those decades, it was only natural that a group of dances eventually surfaced – various swing dances which inspired styles like the Charleston and the Lindy Hop. Swing dances often involve fast, bouncy movements, prompting the term Jitterbug.
Cab Calloway once said, “The dancers look like a bunch of jitterbugs out there on the floor!”
More than the fast paced steps in swing dance, what also makes it so enjoyable is the music. From the Andrews Sisters to Duke Ellington, many artists have contributed to the immediate rise of swing dance and swing dance music. Because of its appeal, today’s artists have chosen to follow suit by mixing the classic elements of swing with their music.
And since creativity evolves alongside music and dancing, it comes as no surprise that swing dances today go beyond fast, bouncy movements. Interestingly, today’s swing performances seem to incorporate contemporary and ballet steps into each number.
That just goes to show that dance truly leaves much room for style, innovation, and imagination.
As an example of the incredible result of swing dance evolution, here are Jeremiah Willis and Jennifer Willis at the US Open Swing Dance Championships.
Competing in the Young Adult division, the pair chose a catchy, upbeat tune called “Overrated” by Ashley Tisdale. One might think it to be an odd choice for a swing number but they definitely made it work. The audience was definitely taken in!
Sporting sharp, glittery, eye-catching ensembles, Jeremiah and Jennifer took to the dance floor, all smiles, eager and ready to show the audience what they’ve got.
From slow, graceful movements to sudden twirling and dipping, the duo had the audience clapping and cheering instantly.
Despite the fancy footwork and the fast-paced switch from one step to another, there was calmness and joy on their faces. The genuine happiness seen in the pair shows just how much fun they have dancing together. It didn’t just look like a fierce entry for a dance competition – it was more like two people having fun doing what they both love. The perfectly executed steps worked seamlessly together, too: from multiple twirls to dramatic gliding, it all resulted in an exciting, captivating number.
It was fresh, it was entertaining, and it perfectly showcased the pair’s incredible dancing skills.
Considering swing dance dates back to the Jazz Age, it’s quite impressive how two teenagers managed to take a classic dance style and combine it with fun, modern elements. Their swing dance number was hip, lively, and had everyone in the audience hyped up and eager for more.
So the next time you feel hesitant about dabbling into dance styles from decades past, just remember how wonderfully these two young dancers brought classic and contemporary together with their winning performance.
Press play and prepare to be dazzled by this talented pair’s amazing swing dance routine.
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