Ready to take your Swing dancing from fun to phenomenal? These advanced moves will add flair, complexity, and show-stopping energy to your repertoire. Whether you're a Lindy Hop enthusiast or a West Coast Swing devotee, these techniques will push your limits.
Pro Tip: Before attempting these moves, ensure you've mastered fundamentals like pulse, connection, and basic footwork. Advanced patterns build on rock-solid basics!
Next-Level Swing Moves to Learn
The Helicopter
This aerial-inspired move (kept safely on the ground) creates dazzling rotational energy. The follower is guided through a continuous turn while the leader maintains dynamic tension.
Key: Leaders - use clear wrist-to-wrist connection. Followers - maintain your axis and spot to avoid dizziness!
Texas Tommy with Inside Turn Variation
Elevate the classic Texas Tommy by adding an unexpected inside turn for the follower mid-sequence. Creates thrilling momentum changes.
Practice the timing slowly - the magic happens in the weight transfer during the follower's free spin.
Swivels & Delayed Rhythm Play
Advanced followers: master rapid-fire swivels with controlled hip movement. Leaders: learn to "play" with delayed rhythms to highlight your partner's styling.
Great for bluesy sections of songs - listen for those drawn-out notes!
Advanced Connection Techniques
Beyond patterns, pros excel in subtle connection skills:
- Counter-Balance Tension: Use opposition to create thrilling leans without losing stability
- Micro-Leads: Initiate moves with finger pressure rather than arm movement
- Silent Follows: Advanced followers anticipate momentum changes through body connection alone
2025 Trend: Fusion styles are huge right now. Try incorporating Balboa footwork into your Lindy or adding West Coast Swing's slot concept to Charleston for fresh hybrid moves!
Practice Like a Pro
Advanced dancers swear by these methods:
- Film yourself weekly to analyze technique gaps
- Practice moves at half-tempo to perfect mechanics
- Take "solo jazz" classes to improve body awareness
- Social dance with partners better than you at least twice a month
