My Favourite Style of Dance

So this will probably be an easy one for those of you who know me or for those who have read one of my previous posts. My favourite style of dance has got to be absolutely anything from the swing era.

Now I know the title is a bit misleading, as technically I should chose just one style but for me that would be impossible. Although, they’re all are closely connected… let me explain.

Contents

• Where it all began
• The development phase
• The happiest dance of all
• Jive talkin
• Where it’s going

Where it all began

In the roaring 20’s a new dance craze was taking the younger generation by storm (I’m talking about the 1920’s by the way, not the covid riddled one we’ve just been through.)

The earliest version of the Charleston was believed to be danced in Irving C. Miller’s Liza in the spring of 1923. For those of you who have never heard of the Charleston it’s most commonly recognised by one specific step believed to be a lazy version of the ‘Jay-Bird.’ A step originally from African-American origin. This is the swivelling forward and backward step.

The development phase

By the late 30’s the Charleston had fallen out of fashion, but a new style had emerged that would literally kick things up a notch… Introducing the LindyHop.

Now, if your ever having a bad day and need a little pick me up, put down the coffee and pull up a ‘how to dance LindyHop’ video on youtube. And when your having a break (trust me you’ll need one) have a search around at some LindyHop dancers doing their thing. It’s awesome.

One of my favourite videos of all time is a dance scene from the movie ‘Hellzapoppin’ (Click here to have a watch) The energy these dancers have is infectious and lifts and tricks they do are incredible.

The happiest dance of all

My first real exposure to this style was when I joined Burn the Floor. At the time there was a full swing/40’s section which finished off with 2 full on LindyHop numbers.

I just love the ‘all or nothing’ feel of LindyHop, your hearts pumping so fast and your adrenaline is so high but somehow you just keep going. They should have LindyHop classes at all gyms and fitness clubs as it’s probably one of the best workouts you’ll get.

LindyHop made its way over to Europe in the 1940s and then numerous other styles developed over time. Jitterbug and Boogie-Woogie emerged as well as a few others.

But hang on what about the jive…

Jive talkin’

Well the word jive was originally a slang word used by African-Americans popularised in the 1930’s by the publication of a dictionary by Cab Calloway.

Jive was then adopted in Europe as a dance style that described swing dancing in the USA.

The Jive was my first exposure to this world of swing. In competitions its’ one of the 5 latin dances, which is pretty strange that its part of this group considering its roots are from swing… still I was happy about it. It was always the last dance and again it was the moment to give it everything you had left.

Apart from dancing these wonderful styles I really enjoy the history that is associated with it and that very history is still being written.

Where it’s going

A relatively new style of music has been introduced called Electro-Swing. It takes samples of old swing music adds a modern twist with a thumping base and club-like build ups. And guess what? People are dancing Lindyhop, Charleston and Jive to it!

So, what’s your favourite dance style? Is it also the Jive or swing style? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll chat to you in the next one…

Stephen