Ever wondered what all the talk is these days about Swing?
For those not in the know, Swing is the latest dance sensation
to sweep across the developed world. From Tokyo to Alaska
and London to Sydney, the kids have gone Swing Crazy.
Swing has been around for over 70 years. The music is
generally very fast and involves mostly 8 count and 6
count rhythms. Bands like Count Basie, Chick Webb and
Cab Calloway, were some that pioneered the music and today
these bands still inspire the youngsters of today. I was
in Mexico for the Millennium, at a Swing Camp with over
400 other enthusiasts from the 4 corners of the globe.
I was amazed at several 14 and 15 year olds who had travelled
from NY for the event. They love the music and have brought
a whole new styling into the dance.
Swing originated in Harlem, NY, in 1927 when the Jazz
bands of that time replaced the Tuba and Banjo with the
electric guitar. This altered the rhythm of the music
and the kids flocked to dance halls such as the famous
Savoy to practise new steps and movements. Up to then
the Charleston had been the main dance. But the new generation
of dancers wanted to swing with a partner.
A guy called George Snowden ('Shorty George') was one
of the main innovators of the new style. George and all
the other kids would practise day and night (much the
same way as the Hip-Hop dancers do today), jealously guarding
new steps to show off at the Savoy that evening. They
didn’t have the advantage of video to capture or
copy steps so they spent all their time watching each
other and furiously practising until they had perfected
or developed a step or movement.
At that time the dance really belonged to the Black American
culture but it soon crossed over and probably played a
major part in breaking down barriers between cultures
in America. The music progressed into the 30’s and
40’s spawning some new styles such as Boogie-Woogie
and Rhythm and Blues along the way. In the 50’s
Rock and Roll evolved and the Swing era was effectively
over. Some enthusiasts kept it going and the modern revival
really began in the early 80’s bringing many of
the old timers out of retirement to teach the moves again.
Anyone who has seen people 'Jive' or Rock and Roll will
have an idea what Swing dancing is but these two dances
are quite basic when compared to their progenitor the
Lindy Hop (sometimes known as the Jitterbug). Lindy is
a wonderful visual dance. It is at times wild and crazy
to look at and to see it danced well with two people in
harmony with each other’s rhythms is simply a great
experience.
You can catch the Swing fever if you come to the London
clubs on Monday and Wednesday nights. Once you have caught
it though, it’s very hard to shake off. The enjoyment
is just too good to let go. It really does give you a
‘high’ like nothing else. Walk into any Swing
Club and you will see the joy on the faces of the dancers.
So c’mon you guys and gals, get into the swing.
It’s a great way to keep fit and could help you
live to a ripe old age as many of the original dancers
are still at it today even in their 80’s. Learn
how to Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa and Charleston. Enjoy the
visits abroad to swing camps in America, Sweden and France.
Get Happy Feet!
