East Cost Swing – The Next Big Thing!
East Coast Swing has always been in. With roots deep in the Harlem originated Jitterbug, the two dances have become one and the same. Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley popularized the music and the lively East Coast Swing steps have been in vogue ever since. One of the appealing features of the East Coast Swing is that the dance works well on a wide-open ballroom floor as well as in a crowded nightclub.
The East Coast Swing is a non-progressive dance. The swing is written in 4/4 time. Dancers should emphasize the first and third beats. Swing dances are written in Single Swing, Double Swing or Triple Swing. The Single Step Swing includes slow-slow-quick-quick step. The Double Swing utilizes a quick-quick-quick-quick-quick-quick move while the Triple Step employs quick-n-quick, quick-n-quick, quick-quick steps.
The East Coast Swing relies heavily on a back rock step. The back rock is preceded by a step, a step touch or a triple step. The male dancers leads with the left foot and back rocks on the left foot as the female mirrors the move.
The East Coast Swing is fast and joyful dance. The pace and expressiveness of the dance requires that the dancers maintain control. Control begins with a proper handgrip. The man extends his arms forward with palms up and the woman places her hands palms down on his hands. The dancers cup the fingers to create a balanced, secure grip.
The dancer’s arms act as the rudders. They must remain firm to direct the flow. Floppy or loose arms will prevent following the partner’s lead. With the swing, rehearsal time is a good idea. Once it clicks in though, the dancers are in for an especially invigorating performance.
The East Coast Swing necessitates small steps. For beginners, the biggest error in learning the dance is steps that are too long. Shortening the steps allows for quicker, more balanced moves.
The frame is less important in The East Coast Swing than in other dances. Frame is sacrificed at the expense of the partner’s counter balancing postures. Counterbalancing is best achieved when the partners lean slightly backwards. This backwards lean forces the dancers to keep their feet under their bodies.
Steps in East Coast Swing start from the inside of the ball of the foot. Using the ball to lead the push off or back rock allows for snappy, precise steps. East Coast Swing is not a toe dance. Follow the balls of your feet to a fast night on the town.
Looking for more great ballroom dance info? For more learn the cha cha and ballroom dancing videos don’t forget to visit our ballroom dance website!
No related posts.