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Partner Charleston Transitions
It’s all in the transitions! Spending time to thoroughly know the entrances and exits to each move can make all the difference when you get to the social dance floor. Naturally you need to know the basic partnered Charleston figures before you worry about transitions.
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Tandem to Cross Hand Transitions
Transitions are the glue of Lindy Hop. They might not be flashy, but they are essential for keeping the dance together. Never underestimate the power of a smooth and musical transition.
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Charleston Tuck Turn
A solid fundamental Charleston move that must be mastered. The upper body and geography is basically the same as a standard tuck turn, but the footwork uses Charleston kicks.
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Chase into Tandem
A staple Lindy move that every Lindy hopper should know. Lots of cool variations build off this classic so get proficient with this “basic” move.
This Course covers a number of essential Charleston moves, transitions and contains an entire section on 1920’s Charleston!
If you are starting from zero, or wanting to brush up on your basics, study the Intro to Partner Charleston section in the Intro to Swing course before venturing here. If you want to focus on movement quality and personal technique, work on the Charleston Fundamentals in the Core Technique course.
For those looking to take their Charleston even, check out the level 3 “Jazz Band” and level 4 “Changes” Charleston routines in the Choreographies and Routinelettes Course!
Modules
Charleston Transitions
Lindy Charleston Figures
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A-frame
This classic move defines Lindy Hop. Life magazine published a photo of Willa Mae Ricker and Leon James doing this move on August 23, 1943. It’s difficult to call yourself a Lindy hopper unless you can bust out this move without a second thought. Now get to work!
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Jig Kicks
Jig Kicks are incredibly versatile for expressing the music in a low key, but stylish way. They can be lead or followed both physically or visually. Do them in open position, closed position or even separated. If we were given one drink for every jig kick we’ve already done on the dance floor, then we’d have enough to buy the world a round of drinks.
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Kick-ups Fakie
It’s starts like the classic Kick Ups, but then it’s not. Leaders really must decide to do this move before it starts because the variation comes so soon. It can be flashy and unexpected in a good way.
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Reverse Push Out
A cool variation to the standard Charleston push out from tandem. The reverse uses the other hand, maintains rotational flow and will surely impress even the most judgmental gaggle of geese.
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Savoy Kicks
This version is a suggestable side by side Charleston variation. We learned it by watching various southern Californian dancers both old and new. We love the flash and rhythmic variety it brings to the dance.
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Tandem Turn
A solid staple of a move for tandem position. It’s straight forward and classic, but every Lindy hopper should know it inside and out.
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Tandem Rainbow
If you love rainbows, you’ll love this move. If you hate rainbows, just rename it for yourself and no one has to know. It’s arm flashy and fun, but does require some solid Charleston balance technique.
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Tandem Rainbow Rotational Kicks
It starts like the regular Tandem Rainbow, and ends like the regular Tandem Rainbow, but gets funky in the middle. Everyone needs to have solid independent balance, solid kick technique and strong calves.
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Tandem Rainbow with Traveling Kicks
It starts like the regular Tandem Rainbow, but then diverges into some cool traveling kicks. The basket arm position can feel weird at first, but with practice it will be come second nature.
Charleston Challenges
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Side by Side Charleston Challenge (Level 3)
This is an important skill set to have as a Lindy Hopper because side by side Charleston is used so frequently. The exciting thing about this challenge is gaining the ability to actually lead and follow the difference between single and multiple kicks. Traditionally these moves were primarily visual or semi-choreographies, but now you can use physical connection to gain more control, be more precise and most importantly, be more musical.
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Side by Side Cross-overs Challenge (Level 3)
This Challenge expands on the simple concept of a cross over step, but goes into the details on how to actually lead and follow it with your partner. Take your time and understand the connection principles before you race ahead and just mimic the shape. The goal is control and connection with your partner that will make social dancing more exciting and your musicality more robust.
1920's Charleston Figures
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Transition into 1920s Charleston
Moving between 1920’s Charleston and Lindy Charleston clearly and comfortably is the mission of this lesson.
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1920’s Style Front to Front Charleston
This is the Classic 1920’s move that is a must-know for any Great Gatsby party. Also, style up your Lindy Hop repertoire with this snazzy rhythm change. Anyone who wants to be called a “vintage dancer” should have a handle on 1920s Charleston.
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Follower’s Front to Front Turn
An elegant follower turn from the 1920s Charleston front to front position.
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Leader’s Front to Front Turn
An elegant leader turn from the 1920s Charleston front to front position.
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Charleston Texas Tommy
In addition to being a snazzy turn, the Texas Tommy is a great relaxation and connection test. Both the follower’s and leader’s arms need to be relaxed before creating the turn, otherwise, it won’t work comfortably.
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Rotating Front to Front Charleston Kicks
These kicks combine rhythm, rotation and style.
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1920’s Charleston Hacksaw Kicks
Hacksaw kicks are a fancy bridge between the basics and more intermediate 1920’s Charleston moves. With these, you will be officially Cuttin’ a Rug!
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Hacksaw Kicks Lead and Follow
Hacksaw Kicks can be led and followed. It’s advanced training and deserves it’s practice time.
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1920’s Charleston Swing Out
The iconic Lindy Hop move, now with Charleston rhythm.
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Partnered Jump Charleston
Taking inspiration from the solo jazz move ‘Jump Charleston,’ this partnered version has some key differences to make it lead and followable. Naturally partners can just do the solo version while holding hands, but we encourage you to take this opportunity to expand what you think is possible with partner dancing. It’s technical and fun and flashy.
