Swing dancing is a family of upbeat partner dances that grew out of African American jazz communities in the late 1920s, starting with the Lindy Hop in Harlem. Today, it includes a range of styles, from the energetic Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag to the beginner-friendly East Coast Swing and the smooth West Coast Swing.
Key Takeaways
- Lindy Hop is the original swing dance and the foundation for today’s most popular styles.
- Swing dancing was most popular during the late 1930s and early 1940s, then returned through a revival in the 1980s.
- East Coast Swing is the easiest style for beginners, while West Coast Swing offers more room for improvisation.
- The five main swing dance styles are Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag.
History and Origin of Swing Dance
Swing dancing began in Harlem during the late 1920s, where African American dancers created the Lindy Hop alongside the growing popularity of jazz music. From there, it spread across the United States during the swing era, evolved into several styles, declined after World War II, and returned through a revival in the 1980s.
The Birth of the Lindy Hop
The Savoy Ballroom is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Lindy Hop. The dance combined influences from Charleston, tap, and other African American social dances. It is said to be named after Charles Lindbergh following his 1927 transatlantic flight, although the exact origin of the name remains uncertain.
The Swing Era
During the 1930s, big band leaders like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman helped bring swing music, and swing dancing, to audiences across the country. The 1941 film Hellzapoppin’ showcased the Lindy Hop and remains one of the best-known recordings of the dance.
Decline and Revival
After World War II, swing dancing became less popular as rock and roll replaced big band music. Interest returned in the 1980s, when dancers began preserving the original styles by learning from surviving Lindy Hop performers and studying historical footage. The 1993 film Swing Kids introduced swing dancing to a new generation and helped spark its modern revival.
Styles of Swing Dance
Swing dancing includes several styles, each with its own rhythm, footwork, and feel. While they all share the same roots in jazz and the Lindy Hop, each evolved into a distinct style.
Balboa
Balboa is a close-hold swing dance known for its quick footwork and subtle movements. It developed in Southern California during the 1930s, where crowded dance floors encouraged dancers to stay close together.
Although it never became as widespread as the Lindy Hop, Balboa remains popular at swing dance events around the world. If you’re new to swing dancing, Balboa is easier to enjoy after you’ve built confidence with basic partner dancing.
Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag is one of the fastest and most energetic swing dance styles. It became popular on American college campuses during the 1930s as swing music spread across the country.
Today, it’s a favorite at swing festivals and social dances for people who enjoy upbeat music and quick footwork. Beginners should start with slower songs before working up to the fast tempos that define the dance.
East Coast Swing
East Coast Swing is one of the easiest swing dances to learn. It grew from the Lindy Hop during the 1940s as dance studios introduced a simpler six-count pattern that was easier to teach.
Today, it’s the most common swing dance taught in ballroom studios and beginner classes. If you’re learning swing for the first time, East Coast Swing is the best place to start because the basic patterns are easy to build on.
Jitterbug
Jitterbug is a lively swing dance style known for its fast turns, kicks, and playful energy. The name became popular during the 1930s and 1940s and was often used to describe several swing dances, especially the Lindy Hop.
Hollywood films helped introduce the Jitterbug to audiences across the United States, and the name is still widely recognized today. Beginners shouldn’t worry about learning a separate “Jitterbug” syllabus, since many classes teach its movements through Lindy Hop or East Coast Swing.
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a smooth partner dance that adapts easily to modern music. It developed in Southern California during the 1940s and 1950s from the Lindy Hop, with dancers using a straight slot instead of a circular pattern.
Today, it’s danced to everything from blues and country to pop and R&B, making it one of the most popular modern swing styles. New dancers should focus on connection and timing before adding the improvisation that makes West Coast Swing unique.
Ready to try swing dancing for yourself? At Arthur Murray Dance Center, our instructors make it easy to learn the basics. Get your first lesson for free and discover why swing remains one of the most enjoyable partner dances to learn.
East Coast vs West Coast Swing
East Coast and West Coast Swing share the same roots, but they feel very different on the dance floor. East Coast Swing is faster, more energetic, and easier for beginners to pick up. West Coast Swing uses smoother movements, adapts to a wider range of modern music, and gives dancers more room to improvise.
| Aspect | East Coast Swing | West Coast Swing |
| Feel and pattern | Bouncy and circular movement that rotates around a shared center. | Smooth and linear movement danced along a slot. |
| Music | Up-tempo swing, big band, and rock and roll. | Blues, pop, R&B, country, and other contemporary music. |
| Best for | Beginners, social dancing, and classic swing music. | Dancers who enjoy musical interpretation and improvisation. |
| Getting started | Easy to learn with simple six-count patterns. | Takes more practice because of its timing, connection, and technique. |
Decline and Revival of Swing Dance: The Post-War Years
After World War II, big band swing gave way to rock and roll. Dances like the Hustle, the Twist, and disco took over, while swing faded from the mainstream. Even so, dedicated dancers and local communities continued teaching and preserving the original styles.
A revival began in the 1980s, when dancers studied archival footage and learned from surviving Lindy Hop performers to rebuild the original dances. Films like Swing Kids (1993) and Malcolm X (1992) introduced swing dancing to a new generation and helped spark renewed interest around the world.
Today, swing dancing is practiced worldwide, with social dances, festivals, and dance studios continuing to teach styles like Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, and West Coast Swing.
FAQ
What shoes should I wear for swing dancing?
Choose shoes with suede or smooth leather soles so you can turn and pivot easily. Avoid grippy rubber soles because they can catch on the floor and put extra strain on your knees. A low or flat heel works best. Swing or ballroom shoes are ideal, but you don’t need them to start.
What should I wear for swing dancing?
Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely, such as breathable, stretchy tops and pants or skirts that won’t restrict your arms or legs. Bring a light layer because social dancing can get warm, and avoid loose clothing that could get tangled while dancing.
What music do you swing dance to?
The music depends on the style. Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing are typically danced to classic swing and big band music by artists like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. West Coast Swing is commonly danced to slower blues, pop, R&B, and other contemporary music.
Is swing a ballroom dance?
Swing dancing began as an African American social dance rooted in jazz, not as a Latin or traditional ballroom dance. Today, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing are widely taught in ballroom studios and are included in many American ballroom teaching programs.
Is Lindy Hop the same as swing dancing?
No. Lindy Hop is the original and most influential style of swing dancing, while swing dancing is the umbrella term for the entire family of dances. Every Lindy Hop is swing dancing, but not every swing dance is Lindy Hop.
What era was swing dancing most popular?
Swing dancing reached its peak during the late 1930s and early 1940s, when the big band era was at its height. Dance halls across the United States filled with people dancing to the music of bandleaders like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.
How many types of swing dance are there?
There are five main styles of swing dance taught today: Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Other variations also exist, but these are the most widely recognized and commonly taught styles.
