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Please note:
This video comes from a ballroom perspective, so some of the terminology and styling may be a bit different from how we teach swing.
That said, it’s a great way to get a feel for the basic footwork and timing—especially if you’d like to try it out on your own first.
If you’d like to learn a more authentic, “swing-style” version—and actually try it out on the dance floor—join us for our crash course and Jive-themed social dance.
Jive (Single Step)
Jive (Single Step)
Fast, bouncy, and wildly fun.
This classic swing dance is built for high-energy music—rock ’n’ roll, fast swing, and even country. Instead of complicated footwork, it uses a simple, driving rhythm that keeps you moving and smiling.
Think:
Quick steps, playful kicks, and easy spins.
It’s one of the easiest ways to jump into fast music without feeling overwhelmed.
Perfect for:
Dancing to faster songs
Letting loose and burning energy
Learning something fun fast
No partner or experience needed—just bring your energy.
Please note:
This video comes from a ballroom perspective, so some of the terminology and styling may be a bit different from how we teach swing.
That said, it’s a great way to get a feel for the basic footwork and timing—especially if you’d like to try it out on your own first.
If you’d like to learn a more athletic, “swing-style” version—and actually try it out on the dance floor—join us for our crash course and ECS-themed social dance.
East Coast Swing (ECS)
East Coast Swing (ECS)
Fun, upbeat, and easy to jump into.
East Coast Swing is one of the most popular swing dances—simple to learn, energetic, and perfect for a wide range of music. It uses a lively rhythm with triple steps and a rock step that quickly gets you moving.
You’ll dance to:
Swing music
Big band classics
Modern songs with a swing feel
Rooted in the original Lindy Hop of the 1920s and 30s, East Coast Swing keeps that joyful, social spirit alive in a more accessible form.
Perfect for:
Beginners getting started
Social dancing
Having fun right away
No partner or experience needed—just come try it.
Lindy Hop (6-Count)
Lindy Hop (6-Count)
Fast, playful, and built for swing energy.
6-count Lindy Hop is one of the easiest ways to jump into swing dancing. It’s bouncy, social, and perfect for getting moving right away.
The basic rhythm is simple:
rock step, triple step, triple step
Once you’ve got that groove, you can start playing with turns, switches, and travelling steps that make the dance feel fun and dynamic.
It’s a great entry point into Lindy Hop—and a natural bridge toward more advanced swing dancing.
Perfect for:
Energetic music
New dancers getting started
Social dancing and having fun
No experience needed—just step in and try it.
Lindy Hop (8-Count)
Lindy Hop (8-Count)
The heart of swing dancing.
8-count Lindy Hop is one of the most important building blocks of swing. It’s smooth, energetic, and full of connection between partners.
The basic rhythm flows like this:
rock step, triple step, rock step, triple step
This structure creates space for some of the most iconic swing movements, including swingouts and circle patterns, where dancers rotate, travel, and play with momentum.
It feels grounded and bouncy, with a strong sense of connection and shared rhythm between partners.
Perfect for:
Building real swing dancing skill
Learning the core of Lindy Hop
Dancing with more freedom and expression
This is where swing dancing really comes alive.
Charleston (1920s)
Charleston (1920s)
Fast. Wild. Pure Roaring Twenties energy.
The Charleston is a high-energy jazz dance known for its twisting steps, sharp kicks, and swinging arms. It captures the playful, rebellious spirit of the 1920s dance era.
You’ll feel:
Quick footwork with a strong bounce
Kicks that travel and break rhythm
Big, expressive arm movements
It can be danced solo, with a partner, or in groups—making it one of the most social and playful swing-era dances.
Originally popularized in the 1920s, it became a symbol of freedom, fun, and letting loose on the dance floor.
Perfect for:
High-energy music
Letting go and having fun
Dancers who like big, expressive movement
No experience needed—just bring your energy and don’t be afraid to move big.
Charleston (1930s)
Charleston (1930s)
Smooth, swinging, and full of flow.
The 1930s Charleston evolved from the wild 1920s version into a smoother, more grounded swing dance. It blends naturally into Lindy Hop and is often called Lindy Charleston or Savoy Charleston.
Instead of staying in one spot, this version travels across the floor with relaxed, swinging movement and rhythmic kicks that match the music.
You’ll notice:
Lower, more grounded posture
Swinging kicks that travel with the music
A smooth, flowing connection with a partner
It fits perfectly with big band swing music and the walking rhythm of the 1930s swing era.
Perfect for:
Swing music with strong rhythm
Dancing with momentum and flow
Adding variety to Lindy Hop
This is where Charleston becomes part of the swing dance floor—not just a solo dance, but a shared conversation in motion.
Please note:
This video comes from a United Kingdom (UK) perspective, so some of the terminology and styling may differ slightly from how we teach swing.
That said, it’s still a great way to get a feel for the basic “footwork” and timing—especially if you’d like to try it out on your own first.
If you’d like to learn a more “Canadian-style” version—and actually try it out on the dance floor—join us for our crash course and Blues-themed social dance.
Blues
Blues
Smooth, grounded, and deeply connected.
Blues dancing is a close, expressive style that grew alongside blues music. It’s less about big moves and more about feeling the music and connecting with your partner.
The movement is relaxed and low to the ground, with a steady pulse that matches the rhythm and emotion of the song.
You’ll experience:
A close, comfortable connection
Simple movements with lots of expression
Room to improvise and make the dance your own
It has a very different feel from high-energy swing—slower, more intimate, and focused on musicality.
Perfect for:
Slower music
Relaxed, expressive dancing
Connecting with your partner and the music
No experience needed—just listen, feel the rhythm, and move naturally.
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