What is Swing Dancing?

The term ‘swing’ dancing refers to a family of social dance styles that developed with the swinging jazz music of the 1920s-1940s.

Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop is the main dance we teach at Swingdance Cumbria. Lindy Hop is a fun and playful dance with African American roots, which originated in the dance halls of Harlem, New York. With influences from a variety of dance styles including tap, jazz, breakaway and Charleston, it includes elements from African American dances and European partner dances.

Balboa

This is a close hold partner dance that originated in Southern California as a way to dance in crowded spaces. It has a closer connection than Lindy Hop and is typically danced to fast-tempo swing music, though it can also be adapted to mid-tempo and slower rhythms. 

Charleston

Charleston is a lively and energetic jazz dance, using syncopated rhythms and footwork. We mostly teach partnered Charleston, although it is also a solo dance style.  

Solo Jazz

Solo jazz focuses on individual movements and rhythmic improvisiation. In workshops we teach specific moves such as the ‘Suzy Q’ and ‘Tacky Annies’ and short routines combining classic jazz moves. Learn fun group dances such as the Shim Sham and Jitterbug Stroll. Elements of Jazz dancing can be added in all of the dance styles listed above.