You’ve got the basics of the Swingout down—now it’s time to make it flow. The intermediate stage of Lindy Hop is where magic happens: your movements start to feel effortless, your connection deepens, and that signature swing rhythm becomes second nature. Here’s how to polish your Swingout like a pro.
1. The Elastic Connection Secret
Forget rigid frames—think rubber band dynamics. The best Swingouts happen when both partners maintain subtle tension that stretches and rebounds:
- Leader: Imagine gently pulling taffy during the send-out
- Follower: Resist just enough to create momentum (not a tug-of-war)
- Pro tip: Practice with a stretchy band around your wrists to feel the pulse
2. Footwork That Sings
The difference between choppy and smooth? Weight transfers. Try this drill:
"The 70/30 Rule": During triple steps, only 70% of your weight should fully transfer—keeping 30% "active" in your previous foot prepares you for the next move. This creates that floating Lindy look.
Common pitfalls to fix:
- ✖ Stomping (you’re dancing, not killing bugs)
- ✖ Over-rotated send-outs (let the follower’s momentum turn them)
- ✓ Silent feet = better flow (record yourself to check)
3. Musicality Hacks for Swinging Swingouts
Match your Swingout variations to the music’s texture:
| Music Feature | Swingout Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Brass hits | Add a sharp rock step or stop |
| Piano runs | Light, quick triple steps |
| Laid-back rhythm | Elongate the 5-6 counts |
Advanced trick: Try "stealing" beats—delay your return by one beat when the music breathes.
4. The Invisible Skill: Body Flight
Great Swingouts happen between the steps. Improve your aerial phrasing:
Leaders
Initiate the send-out from your center, not your arms. Visualize launching the follower like a pendulum—your body leans slightly back as they go out, forward as they return.
Followers
Time your stretch to hit maximum extension just before the leader starts pulling you back. This creates that delicious snap.
5-Minute Daily Smoothing Routine
- 0:00-1:00 - Solo: Practice triple steps with the 70/30 weight transfer
- 1:00-3:00 - With partner: Do 10 Swingouts focusing only on connection stretch
- 3:00-4:00 - Dance one Swingout painfully slow (8 counts = 20 seconds)
- 4:00-5:00 - Dance one Swingout to fast music (150+ BPM)
Remember: Smooth isn’t about perfection—it’s about conversation. When your Swingout starts feeling like a juicy call-and-response between you, your partner, and the music... that’s when you’ve leveled up.
Now go hit that social floor and make those Swingouts sing!
