JITTERBUG/SWING



The Jitterbug and Swing are products of the Dixieland Jazz era of the Twenties. The Jitterbug, once an athletic and acrobatic dance, has been toned down to a softer and simpler dance that can be performed by everyone. It is done to Rock and Roll, Country and Western, and fast Fox Trots. The Swing (triple step) became popular with the Big Band era of swing music. Many C/W bands have specialized in swing music.

STYLE: Any of the three basic Lindy steps (named for Charles Lindbergh's "Hop" across the Atlantic) may be danced the entire time. The footwork is small and close together. The dancers must offer a constant resistance and alertness in hands, arms, and body for proper leading and following. This is not a "bouncy" dance, but rather smooth and rolling.

RHYTHM: This dance is done to a 4/4 swing type music, and like the C/W Two-Step and the Fox Trot "Magic Step", it is danced in 6/4 time.

LINDYS: Each of these may be danced forward/backward or side - to - side. They may be done in practically any position except closed. Man's part is described. The direction is the same for both partners. Slows and Quicks will be included in the analysis, but it is easier to learn the variations by counting.

SINGLE LINDY: One weight change for each S (Slow). Men always begin L, Ladies R.
RhythmS S QQ
WeightLHoRHoLR
DirectionFwd IP BkIP
LeadPull Relax PushPull
     (Rock Step)


DOUBLE LINDY: Two actions per S (Slow). A few possibilities are: "Dig Step", "Step Kick", or "Step Hop". This is an opportunity to demonstrate one's own style.

EAST COAST SWING (TRIPLE LINDY): Each S step has 3 weight changes ("one-and-two") and is danced to slower tempos.
RhythmS  S  QQ
Count1& -23& -456
WeightLRLRLRLR
DirectionFwdIPFwdIPIPIPRockStep
OPTIONSiXBkIPSiXBkIPRockStep


VARIATIONS: Most variations are executed during one or two basic Lindys. A Single Lindy is used in the description; however, most variations can be adapted to the double or triple Lindy. Note whether directions are for the Man or Lady.

ARCH TURN: Described from the semi-open position, but can be done in any one hand-to-hand position
(R to R, R to L, L to L, L to R). Man performs two basics. Directions for the Lady.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
 
Lead
 
S S QQ
R L RL
RTn Fwd Bk RockStep
Arch Out ...................
LH High                
RH Pushes          LH Pulls
 
S S QQ
R L RL
LTn Bk RockStep
Arch In ...................
LH High             Catch
                free hand


WRAP AND UNWRAP: This is simply the Arch Turn while maintaining a 2-hand position. Lady arches in under man's L arm and arches out again under it. Man performs two basics, "wrapping" her on the first, "unwrapping" on the second. Directions for the Lady.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
Position
Lead
 
S S QQ
R L RL
Fwd LTn Bk RockStep
Wrap ......Side-Side
LH pulls lady CCW to his R side
R Forearm pushes lady under
 
S S QQ
R L RL
Fwd RTn Bk RockStep
Unwrap ........R hands
LH High for lady to go under CW
R Forearm pushes lady under


BUTTERFLY: Variation of two-hand position. Dancers will pull to each other's right sides on count "1-and", face each other on "3-and 4", rock step on "5 6", changing places on each basic.
RhythmS S QQ
WeightL R LR
DirectionFwd IP RockStep
PositionSi-Si Face-Face FaceFace
HandsHigh Together Waist high


DISHRAG: Two-hand position. Dancers will both turn under joined hands simultaneously. Man turns CW, lady turns CCW. Directions for the Man.
RhythmS S QQ
WeightL R LR
DirectionFwdX Piv RockStep
LeadLH Low, RH High


SLIDE: Starts in 2-hand position, going into R side by side with R arms behind partner's neck on counts 1 and 2. Release grips and "slide" away from each other (man R, lady L) on counts 3 and 4. Generally followed by alternating Arch Turns.
Rhythm S S QQ
DirectionMan:Fwd L XBk R Si LFwd R
 Lady:Fwd R Si L XBk RFwd L
Position R Sides "Slide" R hands (Rock Step)






Bk=Back     Cl=Close     CCW=CounterCW(L)     CW=Clockwise(R)     FWD=Forward     He=Heel    
Ho=Hop or Hold     IP=In Place     K=Kick     //=Parallel     Si=Side    S-O=Semi-Open    Tn=Turn    
To=Touch     X=Cross 



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