Introduction to Swing Dance Styles - Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Shag and More!
Interested in learning to swing dance but confused about the different styles of swing? We've got you. This page will give a brief overview of the history of swing dancing, highlight the main swing dances done today, and help you pick which swing dance is best for you!
What is Swing Dancing?
When people refer to "swing dancing", they might mean different things. Swing is the umbrella term for a group of social dances that originated in the 1920s and 1930s.
The history of swing dancing and all the other dances that it drew from and evolved into is complicated, but there are two main types of swing dancing that are commonly danced socially today: Lindy Hop (and the family of related "vintage" swing dances) and West Coast Swing.
What is Lindy Hop?
What is Lindy Hop? The Lindy Hop is a rhythmic swing dance created by the African American community in Harlem towards the end of the 1920’s that drew from Charleston and forms of partner and solo dancing, and grew to include many variations. These swing dances include Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, Soul, and Blues. They are typically danced to vintage jazz, big band, blues, jump blues, western swing and soul music. We have the honor to share these dances with love and respect for the history of the dance.
Most people are thinking of Lindy Hop when they think of swing dancing from the 1930s, 40s, and even 50s. Lindy Hop is what we focus on at the Juke Joint, though our regular dancers also dance Balboa and Shag, often in the same song!
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing Dancing evolved from the smooth style of Lindy Hop, and eventually became it's own distinctive dance that looks very different. West Coast Swing is danced more upright, stays on a slot, and is typically slower (though Lindy can be danced slow as well).