PE 143 - Swing Dance

1. Increase motor skills, coordination, and rhythm through learning basic moves and variations of swing dancing to a variety of music styles and tempos.
2. Increase fitness through the fast, high-energy movements required in swing dancing.
3. Increase nonverbal and verbal communication skills through leading or following in partner dancing.
4. Master enough swing dancing basics to dance with confidence and pleasure with any partner of at least the same level of skill.

1. Brief introduction to the various types of swing - including West Coast, East Coast (single-, double-, and triple-time), and Lindy Hop.
2. Basic footwork in East Coast triple-time and single-time swing, and how these work with the “beat” of the music.
3. Appropriate upper body, arm, and hand positions for dancing in “open” and “closed” positions (the “frame”), and doing turns and moves.
4. Up to 10 common turns and other moves in East Coast swing (depending on how fast the class progresses), beginning with basic “inside” and “outside” turns, “open” and “closed” positions, and “lead’s turn,” and concluding (for those who are ready) with the Charleston (from Lindy Hop) and several variations that can be easily incorporated in East Coast Swing.
5. Communication skills of lead and follow roles, with emphasis on the “pre-lead.”
6. Beginning development of individual style and expression, and matching style to the type and tempo of the music (“musicality”).
7. Brief introduction to social skills and etiquette of partner dancing, with emphasis on how to bring out the best in your dancing partner.