Step-by-Step Swing: Essential Moves for New Dancers

The foundation of Swing dancing is the basic step. For both leaders and followers, it involves a simple pattern of steps:

• Step forward with your left foot (for leaders) or back with your right foot (for followers).
• Step right foot next to left foot.
• Step back with your right foot (for leaders) or forward with your left foot (for followers).
• Step left foot next to right foot.

Repeat this pattern in time with the music, typically to a count of "1, 2, 3, 4".

The Swing Out is a classic move that opens and closes the dance frame. Here’s how to execute it:

1. Start in a closed dance position.
2. Step back on your right foot while leading your partner to step forward on their left foot.
3. As you step back, open up to a side-by-side position, maintaining your connection through your hands.
4. Step forward on your left foot, closing back into the original position.

The Lindy Circle is a fun move that involves moving around each other in a circular motion:

1. Start in a closed dance position.
2. Step back on your right foot, leading your partner to step forward on their left foot.
3. Shift your weight to your left foot and step out to the left, guiding your partner to step to their right.
4. Continue moving in a circular motion, maintaining the rhythm and connection.

The Charleston adds a lively twist to your Swing dancing:

1. Start side by side with your partner, facing the same direction.
2. Kick your right foot forward as you step back with your left foot.
3. Switch, kicking your left foot forward as you step back with your right foot.
4. Continue this kicking pattern, keeping the energy high and the rhythm tight.