PART 1: VIDEO LINKS FOR AMERICAN* SOCIAL DANCE LESSONS



*Traditionally, dances are categorized as follows: American Smooth (social waltz, viennese waltz, American tango, social foxtrot); American Rhythm (cha cha, samba, rumba, mambo, bolero, east coast swing); the "Non-traditional ballroom dances," which would be the "Social nightclub dances" (lindy hop, balboa, boogie, west coast swing, nightclub 2 step, hustle, salsa, merengue); and then in a class of its own is the Argentine Tango. We are aware of this fact but for the sake of simplicity and to help new dancers easily find a particular dance they may be interested in (without having to know what dances are considered to be American Smooth vs. American Rhythm, etc.), we have grouped all of the "American" styles dances together and will refer to them as "American Social" dances, all of the other primarily "latin" dances will be referred to as "Latin Social" dances. All dance styles in this blog are dances that you see in nightclubs around town.

 LEARN TO DANCE!  Basic steps for each dance included  Over 500 video dance lesson links (updated regularly) As you continue to learn new dances you will also develop a new found appreciation for different kinds of music. There is a whole new world of dancing out there for us to discover. 

INTRODUCTION. If you are starting to learn a dance for the first time then these videos will serve as a very helpful resource tool.  You can learn to dance much quicker by complementing your group dance lessons with these video dance lessons. Similar to your group dance class syllabus, we have tried our best to set these lessons out in the same order that you learn in your classes (or at the very least we start with the basic steps and proceed from there).  

 EDITOR'S NOTE: If you completely new to dancing and will be dancing at nightclubs, the "American" or social style dances are all you really need to know as they are less formal and aptly suited for nightclub venues. The  "International" style ballroom dances have a much different look as they are more formal and require lots of dancing space.

 1.  For East Coast Swing (single, double or triple time swing).  Generally 136 to 144 Beats per Minute. The East Coast Swing is one of the more popular dances at nightclubs. It is a circular dance that is danced with a special kind of bounce.  This bounce is grounded and high in the legs, it requires the dancers to stay very smooth and not jump around much. East Coast swing is the base for all swing dances. It began with dancing to the big band sounds of the 30's era and continued through to the 50's with the oldies and rock and roll (i.e. Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry) and today people dance to contemporary rock songs with the East Coast Swing. The basic steps are quite simple and repetitive throughout much of the dance. For the really fast songs like "Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley you would probably use a single time beat (step, step, rock step) which is called the Jitterbug, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujlYTHEwu-A and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rBNdhU-vJw . There is also a two count swing, also called the Boogie  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cxJo7qNg9U and see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7efzVwJYpxY. For jazzier or slightly slower songs you can use the more common triple time beat (triple step, triple step, rock step) called the East Coast swing. A classic triple step east coast swing oldies song is "Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Bill Haley and the Comets. For an explanation of both the single time beat and the triple time beat, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2WbxmvDtJ4 .  See also Michael Thomas's basic lesson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dy9uyIACfQ and for a demo as he dances to a Jimmy Buffet song "Brown Eyed Girl"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvZi-NyH8Yw this is a MUST SEE VIDEO LESSON, if you can do most of the moves in this video you should be able to begin dancing at clubs. Depending on the music and how fast or slow the tempo is will determine whether you use the singe, double or the triple count swing.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EAST COAST SWING AND THE WEST COAST SWING: The east coast swing or jitterbug is for faster type music and the dance steps are more repetitive than the west coast swing which is generally for slower music, pop, jazz, blues or country. The west coast swing is a slot dance and is a bit more graceful or sensual than the more spirited and circular east coast swing. The east coast swing is definitely much easier to learn than the west coast swing, mainly because the footwork is quite simple and repetitive. By watching the dance video links in this blog you will begin to see the differences between these two popular swing dances. For these differences, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1_gEfKAZVY
2. The Boogie is a "two count" East Coast Swing, now very popular in the Philippines and various parts of Asia. It is danced to the big band sounds of the 40's and jitterbug music of the 50's. A typical tempo for this song is Barry Manilow's "Bandstand Boogie" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe96JObaA80.  The basic steps are step/tap with the left foot, step/tap with the right, and a rock step. This is a great dance to know, especially for the really fast swing or big band sounds, and you can even use it for the "Hollywood" G.I. Lindy sounds.
3.   The Lindy Hop shares some similarities with the West Coast Swing. Take a trip down memory lane and watch this nice Lindy hop remix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IELTLhcCVA.  
  • SAVOY STYLE: See the late Frankie Manning the Ambassador of the Lindy Hop dance the Lindy in the "Savoy" style (incidentally he visited Hawaii for a workshop years ago)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m34eD21QzUw.
  • HOLLYWOOD STYLE: See Dean Collins' Lindy Hoppers dance the "G.I. Lindy" or "Hollywood style Lindy" to a big band song. This style has less bounce and is a bit smoother than the more energetic and athletic looking Savoy Lindy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWQvZ0bbl4c.  MUST SEE VIDEO  
4. The "Side Step" Swing" Learn the side step swing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7djJUwE9z8. Can be used for early era swing songs like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, etc.

5.  For West Coast Swing. Generally 102 to 128 beats per minute. This dance had its origins from the Lindy Hop so you'll note some striking similarities between the two dances.This dance generally consists of six-and eight-count patterns, which are done in a slot. The follower no longer rocks back as in East Coast swing, but instead walks forward two steps on counts one and two.

 If you are not familiar with this dance, the following demonstration by Arthur Murray instructors will give you an idea just how it is done and what it looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjY4VqHfDU  NICE DANCE

 For basic whip, basket, sugar push, side pass, tuck turn, etc.), see: http://swingshoes.net/photos-videos/videos  THIS IS A "MUST SEE" VIDEO LINK  as it contains all of the basic dance lessons that you would get if you took a beginner's dance class. NOTE The push in the sugar push is initiated not by the leader arms, but by his weight as his core or body moves forward towards his follow, thereafter the arms will naturally extend out once momentum has been established. A must see video on the West Coast swing and its basic elements, see  http://www.anchorsteps.com/dance_moves.htm .

Most new dancers will probably find it more difficult to learn WCSwing than the East Coast swing primarily because the timing and the steps involved are more complex than the more repetitive East Coast swing. The WCS is also a lot more versatile than the east coast swing because you can dance to many different tempos from jazz and blues, to R and B.

BASICS

STARTER STEP

 SUGAR PUSH - There are lots of opinions and ideas on how to walk, some will walk with a heel toe lead, and there are others that will walk with a toe heel lead (i.e. called the dancer's walk for the glide effect). Use whatever method is most comfortable for you and for your partner. In the words of Skippy Blair,  "The only problem that exists in SWING is when someone decides there is only ONE WAY to dance it. There is never only ONE WAY to do anything ...."

 In summary then, use whatever you feel like doing!
  • For the sugar push, see  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxPIejUgBoU; If you count the basic steps as  "1,2..3 and 4, 5 and 6,", the lady steps back with her right foot on count 4.  Counts 5 and 6, which is a triple step, is her anchor step. See also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJGrzuTPj2o. There should be a stretch on the anchor step http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL_trbKn1ag (see the lady's footwork on count 6 as she and her partner stretch out away from one another - he has his weight behind his front foot to help create this leverage). A common beginner's mistake is to fail to understand what an anchor step is, most beginners will step forward towards their partners on the 6 count instead of stretching away from him (i.e. they will take a coaster step instead). 
SIDE PASSES

 PULL BACK/ REDIRECTS


WHIPS

 SIGNATURE HIP CHECK MOVE
SIGNATURE SHOOTING DUCKS AND BOW TIE

TEXAS TOMMY

WRAPS AND BASKETS

WALKS

OCHOS/ SWIVELS

MISCELLANEOUS

 STYLE/SYNCOPATIONS/ MUSICALITY
If you’d like to see West Coast Swing dance moves performed
right on your computer screen you may enjoy:
Brian B's Move of the Week:  Brian says, “Want great WCS videos sent straight to your inbox?   I'll send you my 'move of the week' each week FREE!  Each week you will receive a easy 3 min recap of some great Intermediate/Advanced West Coast Swing moves to add to your collection.  Periodically I will cover some 'hot topics' like styling, connection and musicality! 
All the best in dance, -Brian "B"    Use link to sign up!   http://eepurl.com/8Ltvf

 WORKSHOPS/ DEMONSTRATIONS
  • Demonstration by Todd and Joy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvYZ9fyGcek
  • Here is another WCSwing dance to slower music (which goes to show how verstile this dance is) featuring Michael Kielbasa and Erica Berg at a Jack and Jill contest. MIchael's footwork is totally dynamic and Erica smoothly glides on the floor, both complimenting each other quite beautifully, this is a MUST SEE VIDEO dance that is unscripted  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCwhsW4HIis  After watching many Jack and Jill contests you will notice that the leaders hand movements in the WCSwing can be quite complex and intricate making the WCSwing just as difficult of a dance to learn as is Salsa for the leaders.
6. 3 Count Hustle (aka syncopated rhythm). Generally 104 to 121 beats per minute. There are two different ways to dance the Hustle. One way consists of 3 beats done in 4 steps, counted "and one, two, three" with the "and one" being done in 2 quick steps or "ball change".  Abba's "Dancing Queen" and the Bee Gee's "Staying Alive, Night Fever,and Jive Talking," are all popular Hustle dance songs, this is also known as the "New York Hustle." The other way is to dance the hustle is in 4 counts also known as the "4 count swing" which will be explained later in this blog. Hustle is danced to the contemporary pop dance music of the last 20 years. It is a fast, smooth dance, with the lady spinning almost constantly, while her partner draws her close and sends her away. 
7.  4 count Hustle "also known as the "4 count Swing" - If a song is a bit too fast and has a strong 4 count beat (i.e. disco or techno), then try this  dance instead of the east coast swing . Basically its like "marching" since you take alternating steps (forward, back, together, forward), moving each step to the beat of the music. This dance has continuous rotations throughout (not good if you get dizzy).

8.  Nightclub 2 step. Generally 54 to 64 beats per minute. An nice alternative to slow music dancing, it is a very nice, smooth, and flowing dance. In addition to slow ballads it can be used with contemporary soft rock music. The hit song "Lady in Red," is a classic song for this dance.  For basic lessons see these lessons by Clay Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWmKkEHuo_I. The count is Q,Q, S...Q,Q,S and repeat,  or you can count, 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8.

An advanced dancer who took Buddy Schwimmer's workshop at the Palladium couple of years ago, mentioned that the rock step should be done with the balls of our feet and that the weight should not fall over to the heel, this to keep your feet active during the dance. 
9. Cowboy cha cha. Can be danced to any line dance country song. Some popular cowboy cha cha songs are "Neon Moon," or "No shoes, no shirt, no problem." Primarily done from the sweetheart, shadow or side to side position. Unfortunately, this dance may require a lot of dance floor space as it is more of a travelling dance, so you need to modify it when club dancing due to spacial limitations on the dance floor.
10.  For American Waltz (or Social Waltz) mixed with some International figures.  Generally 84 to 96 beats per minute. Counted "One, two, three....Two, two, three....Three, two, three...Four, two, three." 

SOME HELPFUL HINTS WHILE DANCING WALTZ
Always remember that the first step of each measure when going forward is a heel lead. The second step is on the toe or ball of the foot, and the third step starts on the toe or ball, the knee softens, and then lowers down onto the whole foot. (This also applies to the ladies when they are going forward.) When taking a back step, reach back with the toe while keeping your upper body forward toward your partner, and when in closed position, try to keep your shoulders parallel with your partner. In semi-closed position, try to keep the man's left side and the lady's right side toward each other. Also, the head plays a very important role in dancing. The man's head is straight with his nose pointed over his left shirt pocket, while the lady's head is always to the left in closed position. 
11.  Country Waltz - same count as regular waltz, but easier footwork that travels. One, two, three, four, five, six (walk, walk, walk, walk....)
12.  Fusion Waltz - There is a new dance that "fuses" other dance styles (e.g. tango, swing, latin, balboa) with the watlz to create a fun and more spirited dance, quite different from the traditional closed position ballroom waltz.
13. Country 2 Step. Generally 180 to 212 beats per minute. (quick, quick, slow, slow - turn the follow on the quick quick).  Similar to the Country waltz just that the timing is different, so if you know how to do the Country waltz, you'll be able to pick this dance up quite easily. This dance is used for faster songs like Clint Black's "Good Run of Bad Luck."
14. Country Triple 2 Step http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmJ69KMKafI (triple step, triple step, walk walk)
15. Texas 3 Step http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUTv-ujw2wM (left right left, right, left right left, right)


16.  Modern Jive (also called Ceroc).  This dance originated in France and has now become popular all over Europe, Asia and Australia. It blends jive, swing, lindy, rock and roll, salsa and other styles and is also called a "natural dance" since there are no complicated steps, you simply step naturally to the music and it can be danced to any kind music with a steady beat, swing, disco, techno, and most latin music.  For a historical perspective of this dance, including an interview with its creator, see http://www.howtojive.com/spotlight-ceroc.htm. For a wonderful presentation of the dance to the James Brown song "Get Up Offa that Thing" see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZHZhroHcMg  . 

 NOTE: This dance is quite very similar to the 4 count hustle the only difference being with the hustle you start forward with your left foot, with the French Jive you start backwards with your right foot, other than that both of them are "marching" steps. 
17. American Foxtrot (aka Social Foxtrot) is different from the "Slow Foxtrot" (aka International Foxtrot). The social foxtrot is much easier to learn than the "Slow Foxtrot." Generally 120 to 136 beats per minute. A classic song for this dance is Frank Sinatra's "I Got You Under My Skin, and "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darin, lets also not forget Ella Fitzgerald's classic "Night and Day." Foxtrot music is quite romantic and very captivating. The basic rhythm units are composed of six or eight count combinations counted: slow slow quick quick (6 beats) or slow quick quick, slow quick quick (8 beats). The social foxtrot dancing is not constrained by patterns or sequences. While standardization might be important for judging panels in competition,  the beauty and spontaneity of social dancing does not improve with standardization. The common foxtrot patterns are composed of two beat units. The dancer can do a single rhythm unit which is one weighted step per two beats or a double rhythm unit, two weighted steps per two beats going forward, sideways or backwards. Breaking away from the conformity of always doing SSQQ or SQQSQQ, for instance, doing a movement that is SQQQQ or SSSQQ, adds interest and surprise to the standard movements and creates infinite possibilities for combinations while dancing the foxtrot.
                    (1) the dance is performed in 8 bar phrases;
                    (2) the man starts each phrase with a step on the left foot;
                    (3) the left and right feet step alternately;
                    (4) a foot may step either forward, backward, to its own side or it may close in place;
                    (5) a closing step may not occur immediately following another closing step;
                    (6) a bar must contain an even number of quick steps.
                    (7) steps taken to a side are followed by together steps which are quick. Forward or backward steps may be either quick or slow, mostly slow.
                   (8) there is no consistent rhythm pattern, so man must be a strong leader
For a lovely Foxtrot demonstration to a Frank Sinatra standard, see this MUST SEE video dance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOcG2cufH-s. 
  • SLOW FOXTROT (International style)
  • Feather step https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otiu9673l_w
  • Three step 
  • Natural turn
  • Reverse turn and feather finish
  • Closed impetus and feather finish
  • Natural weave
  • Change of direction
  • Basic weave
  • Cloesd telemark
  • Open telenmark and feather finish
  • Top spin
  • Hover feather
  • Hover finish
  • Natural telemark
  • Hover cross
  • Open telemark, natural turn and outside swivel
  • Open impetus
  • Reverse wave


 18. Polka. Basic steps and rotating right turn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVnfVUWiBTU

 19.  Slow Dancing also known as "Prom dancing" or "belly bumps" where the dancers sway in place. The next time you hear a very slow song and just can't figure out how to dance to it, you may find this very easy slow dance a viable option:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8x4Twvr0zA. This is probably the only partner dance that you will learn in under 7 minutes. There are 4 steps to this dance, starting with your left foot go to the side, then step back with your right foot, then , rock step from your left foot to your right foot. To that you add in a little rotation and you are dancing! 


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