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.
Here's a solid 3 variations to make leaders' Swing Outs look more stylish. The emphasize is on solo practice intitially so you learn how to control your body. Only after it feels successful solo should you then attempt these with a willing partner.
Jo uses the Swing Out framework and some set styling options as a way to establish a base of movement so followers can eventually create their own variations. It's important to practice the movement solo initially before attempting with a partner. Once you have a willing Leader, ask them to lead short sequences of just Swing Outs so you can really burn into muscle memory each new variation.
Crawls are simultaneously basic and really complex. So many elements of solo and partner dancing rely on these skills. So jump in and go for it. Depending on your previous movement training/practice these steps might seem easy and fun or difficult and frustrating.
Lazy Fast dancing can look simple, but the technique is critical to making it feel comfortable. To be successful with this, focus on getting the mechanics right. We view this as early style Lindy hop when the traditional jazz music was using more of a two beat feel and was typically played at upper tempos. Lazy fast dancing can be a comfortable method for long nights of social dancing.
We predominantly use the name Texas Tommy because if pays homage to the fact that the original Texas Tommy dance came out of San Francisco, California and traveled to New York City. In good Lindy hop tradition, the key element of the dance was then borrowed/stolen for Lindy Hop. Now we have a ton of variations based on the original concept.
Jo breaks down some sweet variations for followers to use during Swing Outs. It's important to practice the movement solo initially before attempting with a partner. Once you have a willing Leader, ask them to lead short sequences of just Swing Outs so you can really burn into muscle memory each variation.
The global phenomenon of Lindy Hop means that there are lots of style and technique variations of the Swing Out. Our experiences of dancing and teaching in over 30 countries we have helped us understand the major variations and how to make them compatible with each other. We believe that lindy hop is one dance that can be shared by everyone regarless of your style choices or regional variations. Let's all dance together because we all live in the same world.
Leader slide variations. You will need a slippery floor and slippery shoes to make these slides impressive. In general, these slides are independent from your partner so they are great for being musical and flashy even when your followerer is boring or not ready for fancy variations.
These are super fun. Once you've mastered each variation you can mix and match them fluidly. In modern times Swing Outs are usually taught as a 360 degree rotation, but traditionally a Swing Out could be underrotated or over rotated depending on the tempo, space on the dance flloor or dynamics with your partner. If you plan to perform or compete, mastering these techniques can be super helpful.
