Swing Into Summer: 3 Dance Moves Everyone's Learning in 2024

As the school year winds down and the evenings stretch out, dancers of every level are heading back to the floor. But this summer's swing scene isn't just about showing up—it's about what you're dancing. From retro revivals to global crossovers, 2024 has produced concrete, learnable moves that are dominating socials, festivals, and TikTok feeds alike.

Here are three moves defining the season, plus where to start if you're ready to jump in.

Move 1: The Charleston Kick-Through

The 1920s staple is back, but not as you might remember it. Today's Charleston Kick-Through is faster, sharper, and more athletic than the vintage version—think punctuated knee drives and quick directional changes rather than the bouncy, upright style of Great Gatsby parties past.

Why it's hot: The move travels well. You can dance it solo, in a line, or weave it into partnered Lindy Hop. It also photographs beautifully, which explains its explosion on Instagram and festival demo floors.

Pro tip: "Keep your weight forward and your heels off the ground," says Mia Torres, instructor at Brooklyn's Swing Remix studio. "The power comes from the balls of your feet, not big arm swings."

Move 2: The Grounded Aerial

Classic Lindy Hop lifts and flips—collectively known as aerials—have long been crowd-pleasers. But in 2024, social dancers are embracing a grounded alternative: low, dynamic assists that keep both partners' feet near the floor while still delivering that signature thrill.

A popular variation has the follow slide through the lead's legs or execute a controlled dip-into-spin, all without leaving the ground. The effect is theatrical but social-dance-safe, meaning you don't need a performance slot or crash mat to try it.

Why it's hot: It brings aerial energy to the casual social floor without the injury risk or etiquette debates.

Pro tip: Communication is everything. Establish a clear hand signal or verbal cue with your partner before attempting any assisted move in a crowded room.

Move 3: The Zouk-Swing Fusion Step

Global influences are no longer theoretical in swing dance. This summer, West Coast Swing instructors across North America and Europe are explicitly borrowing from Brazilian zouk: a circular, close-connection frame that lets partners flow through continuous rotation rather than the linear "slot" tradition.

The signature fusion step starts with a standard West Coast Swing anchor, then transitions into a zouk-inspired lateral body roll and head-loop turn. The result is a hybrid that feels simultaneously grounded and fluid.

Why it's hot: It expands West Coast Swing's vocabulary for slower, emotional music—think contemporary R&B and neo-soul—genres that have surged on social dance playlists this year.

Pro tip: Don't muscle the turn. Zouk relies on frame and breath, not arm strength. Take a few minutes to watch how zouk dancers isolate their upper bodies before mixing it into swing.

Trend Spotlight: Swing Goes Outside

While the moves above are shaping what people dance, where they dance has shifted too. Outdoor swing festivals have multiplied since 2022, and 2024 is shaping up to be the biggest summer yet. Events like the Paris Jazz Roots Festival and Lindy Focus in Asheville, North Carolina, are expanding their outdoor programming, with afternoon socials in parks and late-night street dances.

"People want community and fresh air after years of cramped studio spaces," says James Okonkwo, co-director of the London Swing Festival. "Our outdoor social in Greenwich Park sold out in four hours this year."

Where to Start Tonight

You don't need a partner or a studio membership to begin. Here are three free, reliable entry points:

So grab your shoes—keds, boots, or barefoot—and pick one move to try this week. Whether you're drilling the Charleston Kick-Through in your kitchen or testing a grounded aerial under actual stars, summer 2024 belongs to the dancers who show up.