Swing is a must-learn dance among dancehall fans. Popular variations include the Lindy, Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Savoy Swing, Whip, Push, Carolina Shag, Cajun Swing, Hustle, Jive, and West Coast Swing. As you learn swing dancing, your body will get used to jumps, spins, turns, and throw-outs frequently seen on ballroom dance floors.

Swing is a fast dance so you should be light on your feet. Start by standing in an upright position facing your partner. The lead should extend his arms forward with palms upward. The girl places her palms downward on top of her partner’s hands. In single-hand hold, the woman’s right hand should be placed palm down on the man’s left hand. Cup your fingers to attain enough strain. Remember, swing is lively and energetic, and a firm hand grip is vital so you don’t fall flat on your face on the floor.

Learn swing dancing in Closed Swing Position, where the man’s lower body is angled a little to his left, and the lady’s lower body is angled barely to her right. Form a “V” by maintaining a loose connection between the man’s right hip and woman’s left hip.

When executing turns, keep a firm wrist, elbow and shoulder tension for sideward, forward and backward movement. Hold your partner’s hand as you turn, and once your joined hands pass over the eyebrow, dock under your bent wrist in order to prevent getting tackled by your partner’s arm.

An internal under arm turn, or loop turn, involves turning under the arm which is drawn across the midline of the body, forming a loop.

Back Rock and Triple Step are common terms you will come across as you learn swing dancing. In Back Rock, the lead rocks back on the left foot while the girl rocks back on the right foot.

As the name implies, the Triple Step involves three little steps. Stomp your feet to the basic 1-2-3, left-right-left, and right-left-right beat. Bend your knees a little as you do the three steps, a little rebounding off the floor. Learn swing dancing triple step by moving forward, backward, sideways, or in a circle.