Swing, Jive & Rock n Roll
Swing dancing is a broad umbrella term that covers a range of dances that have evolved over time to suit changing popular music.
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DanceFix teaches both the original Lindy Hop as well as East Coast Swing.
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Swing dancing began in the US in the 1920's with the Charleston and the Lindy Hop. In the 1930's a smoother style - the Savoy style of Lindy emerged, and in the 40's, this more laid back style became the basis for what is still known as West Coast Swing.
At the same time (1940's) social freestyle ballroom studios adapted and 'refined' these dances into forms that were easier and more practical for students. This collection of swing dances comprise East Coast Swing and include single, double and triple rhythm styles.
The double rhythm style is often recognized as 'Rock n Roll' while the triple rhythm style is often recognized as ' Jive'.
However, Jive was largely a 1940's English adaptation integrating East and West Coast Swing styles into what became the standard style used in International Competition.
The great thing about Swing dancing is that it is so adaptable at a social freestyle level.
Most step and turn patterns can be blended and interchanged between styles making swing dancing spontaneous, creative & just great fun!
A Basic Guide to the Different Styles
While all these dances/styles can be captured under the umbrella of Swing dancing the interchangeable use of terms can be confusing. As a basic guide:
Lindy Hop, also known as Lindy Swing, is one of the earliest partnered swing dances & can be recognized by its10 step pattern with carefree swinging arms & Charleston kicks and hitches. At Dancefix we teach the original Savoy style but have fused more modern turn patterns in for more fun. We also dance to modern music (e.g. Jazz Funk, Lindy Blues & Electrio Swing). This helps slow the dance down a bit, making it a more groovy style and more accessible to everyone.
Triple Rhythm Swing also known as 8 step Jive is the dance most people generally recognize as 'Jive'. This can be danced East Coast style where it is laid back and best suited to medium tempo music or Competition Style where it is very fast and bouncy.
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Single Rhythm Swing also known as 4 step Jive is often associated with Rock n Roll and is best suited to faster Rock n Roll music of the late 50's and 60's.
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Double Rhythm Swing also known as 6 step Jive is most closely associated with Rock n Roll and is best suited to slower to medium paced Rock n Roll music of the late 50's and 60's.
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Le Rock, Le Step, Rock a Billy & Modern Jive are all recent hybrid blends of these dances.