This is a great shape of a move that can easily interchange 3 major ryhthms we use in Lindy Hop (half time, full time & syncopated). Start by getting the shape with each ryhthm independently before you move on to intermixing the rhythms. Once mastered, you will have the ability to be more musical with your dancing becasue you will be able to instantaneously adjust your rhythm during a social dance to match the music more precisely and creatively.
A fun cross hands hold position that can use the 3 major ryhthms we use in Lindy Hop (half time, full time & syncopated). This Challenge will give you a lot of variations that you can create with your partner and the ability to be more musical with your dancing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.