How to Do an Around the Horn Move in Swing Dancing

Swing dancing is not only fun and entertaining but it is a good way to stay active and lose weight. The variations of moves and steps keep a swing dancer interested and engaged. One of the various swing dance moves is the around the horn maneuver.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Start with each swing dancer in a basic single step move. This move is stepping to the beat and using a back step on every third beat.

2. Stand each dancer so that they are facing each other. Have the follow swing dancer extend their left hand. Then have the lead dancer do the same.

3. Grab the follow partners hand in a handshake mimic. As each dancer grabs the others hand, they both will step forward. The lead swing dancer should step forward with their left foot as the follow dancer does the same.

4. Draw the follow dancer towards the lead swing dancer. At the same time have the lead swing dancer raise his elbow. Now the follow swing dancer moves under the raised elbow. Be sure that the handshake contact is maintained the entire time.

5. Release the handshake as the follow swing dancer finishes passing through the raised elbow arch.

6. Use the free hand to transfer the grasped hand of the follow dancer. This movement should flow almost simultaneously with release of the handshake grasp. For a moment, the dancers will both be standing facing forward.

7. Turn the lead dancer around to face his partner. Using the natural momentum of the gripped hand, turn and grasp the follow dancer into a swing dance hold to complete the around the horn swing dance move.