| Originally popularized as the Jitterbug in Harlem, the | | | | dancers maintain control. Control begins with a proper |
| East Coast Swing has been popular from the start. In | | | | handgrip. The man extends his arms forward with |
| fact, the Jitterbug and the East Coast Swing have | | | | palms up and the woman places her hands palms |
| become synonymous for each other. Chuck Berry | | | | down on his hands. The dancers cup the fingers to |
| and Elvis Presley popularized this dance and launched | | | | create a balanced, secure grip. |
| it to new heights. The dance's ability to be performed | | | | In the routine of the dance, the dancer's arms |
| on either a wide-open ballroom floor or in the close | | | | become the rudders. The arms actually set the |
| quarters of a crowded nightclub has added to the | | | | course and direction of the moves. Once the dancers |
| dance's acceptance. | | | | have practiced the East Coast Swing the dance will |
| This type of Swing dance is a non-progressive dance. | | | | become more and more lively. It is always a good |
| The swing is written in 4/4 time. Dancers should | | | | idea to practice with an experienced dancer. |
| emphasize the first and third beats. Swing dances are | | | | Small steps allow the dancers to stay under control |
| written in Single Swing, Double Swing or Triple Swing. | | | | and balanced. For beginners, the most common error |
| The Single Step Swing includes slow-slow-quick-quick | | | | is to lengthen the steps. The short steps permit |
| step. The Double Swing utilizes a | | | | quicker, more balanced moves. |
| quick-quick-quick-quick-quick-quick move while the | | | | In swing dancing, the frame is not as important as in |
| Triple Step employs quick-n-quick, quick-n-quick, | | | | other dances. The most important position is to |
| quick-quick steps. | | | | establish a posture that permits counter balancing. |
| The Swing relies heavily on a back rock step. The | | | | Dance partners should lean back slightly, which allows |
| back rock is preceded by a step, a step touch or a | | | | the dancers to keep their feet under their bodies. |
| triple step. The male dancers leads with the left foot | | | | Steps start from the inside of the ball of the foot. |
| and back rocks on the left foot as the female | | | | Using the ball to lead the push off or back rock |
| mirrors the move. | | | | allows for snappy, precise steps. East Coast Swing is |
| This dance is fast and joyful. The pace and | | | | not a toe dance. Follow the balls of your feet to a |
| expressiveness of the dance requires that the | | | | fast night on the town. |