Swing is a generic term for a style of dance that encompasses Rock and Roll, Jive and the Charleston. It is a pairs dance which is fast paced but easy to pick up and fun to dance. I went along to a Lindy Hop in Portsmouth on Thursday 31st August to learn as much as possible about Swing dancing in only one lesson. Large ClassWhen I arrived I realised just how popular this form of dance is in Hampshire. It was the biggest class I have been to, with over 30 couples entering the beginners class. This was slightly intimidating at first, as I really did not know anyone there. The teachers stood in the centre of the circle of partners teaching the very basic steps. My nervousness quickly dissipated as after learning about three steps we were ordered to change partners. This had the positive effect of allowing me to dance with almost all the male partners in the room, each dancing the dance with their own flair and style.  | | The teachers explain some of the steps |
Some had evidentially only had one or two lessons, and like me needed to count out the steps. Others had been dancing Swing for years and lead me into steps which I could not follow. All were friendly, helpful and evidently enjoying themselves! The chance to dance with so many different partners added a new layer of challenge and intricacy to the dance moves as I had to adapt to each partner. Signals The easiest way to describe this dance is bouncy! Every step is filled with energy and is danced at a fast pace. Since the man is leading, he does not often have the time to tell his partner what move he will be leading her into next. Trust in your partner and hand signals explain to the lady what moves they will be doing next. For example the arm held out at a right angle from the body tells the lady to step behind the man and to let him slide past her, as they swap hands. I realise this sounds complicated, however it is very easy to dance. Its thanks to these hand signals that I could dance with any of the men in the room. They gesture with their hands and I understand what steps I am supposed to be dancing. Free StyleAfter the beginners lesson and before the intermediates took to the floor, there was an opportunity for free style Swing dancing. Couples who had been dancing for years took beginners dancing. | "If I could describe Swing Dancing in 5 words I would says it's fun, sociable, and expressive. Great for fitness with great music. " | | Lindsey Dance Instructor |
It immediately became apparent that it does not take very long to become really good at Swing. As there are so many variations of the dance, there are thousands of different interpretations on similar moves. This means that once the basics have been mastered, it is still possible to continue the learning process, and develop your own version of this style. One of my dance partners had only been dancing for two years, yet he was already at instructor level. UnfitThe intermediates lesson demanded more complicated foot work, but the majority of the beginners went on and learned the steps easily.  | | One of the couples learn some new steps |
I mainly took pictures of the intermediates class, as I realised that my fitness could not cope with all the fast pace of the dance. It's just that after not going to the gym for most of the summer, or doing anything seriously athletic since April, my aerobic fitness has taken a hit. In conclusion Swing dancing is a great social dance that offers both opportunity for individuality through personal interpretation and interaction with other dancers. Since there is no overall ruling body in Swing dance, the majority of dances are performed for sheer enjoyment. This makes it a fun exciting dance which was a pleasure to learn. | 
