Dance
Young pair of dancers picked from line-up hear 1970s mega hit come on and light up the room
They couldn’t have picked a better song for this.
Jessica Adler
09.15.23

Swing dancing has a magical way of lighting up faces.

Its cool, rhythmic flow fits almost any song or genre. But maybe, it’s the dancers’ flair that truly brings it to life.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
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YouTube - RoseCitySwing

The iconic track, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1966, is most famously sung by Marvin Gaye.

Now, imagine it as the backdrop for a dance by KP Rutland and Alyssa Glanville.

And while their height difference might catch your eye, their seamless jive will captivate your heart.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

Swing has been a sensation for nearly a century. Originating in the jazz-loving 1920s America, it was often dubbed the “jitterbug.”

Jazz maestro Cab Calloway once remarked that dancers seemed “like a bunch of jitterbugs out there on the floor,” alluding to their energetic, bouncy moves.

KP and Alyssa prove that observation to be unwaveringly correct.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

A tip of the hat to the jazzy blues communities for pioneering this dance.

Over the decades it evolved, with established styles and steps taking shape.

Today, once the basics are set, dancers like KP and Alyssa let intuition guide them, making it seem as if they’re inventing moves on the spot.

That’s the beauty of swing – there’s no rigid choreography, just pure, spontaneous fun.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

Alyssa’s been a dynamo since her toddler days.

Whether it was sports, playing with pals, or riding horses, she was always on the go.

Her tryst with the Lindy Hop began at eight, and by fifteen, she was smitten with the West Coast swing.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

Watching Rutland, with his tall stature, glide effortlessly is a treat.

But Alyssa is no less mesmerizing. A fan, Az Nana, aptly commented, “This is the best team!!! Love their style. Rockin hot.”

Their performance is a delightful blend of energy and grace.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

Unlike some dances that are a whirlwind of motion, swing stands out for its elegance.

Dancers have the liberty to craft a mesmerizing routine, and that’s precisely what this duo achieved.

And if you’re thinking it looks simple, think again.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

Both Rutland and Glanville are seasoned dancers, and there’s something about this song that just vibes with their style.

It’s the kind of performance you’d want to enjoy with a chilled beverage in hand.

YouTube - RoseCitySwing
Source:
YouTube - RoseCitySwing

The entire competition seemed like a blast. Here’s hoping we get to see more of Rutland and Glanville’s dynamic duo in action.

Want a taste of their electrifying moves? Dive into the video below!

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