How to Prepare to Swing Dance

Swing dancing has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Even people with two left feet have been able to master the basics of this improvisational dance. If you plan to take swing lessons, the following steps will help you prepare.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Full Skirts
• Men's Dancing Shoes
• CD Players
• CDs
• Swing Dance Special CD
• Let's Swing Video
• Lindy Hop Basics Video

1. Find classes in your area by doing a search on the Internet, checking with local adult education schools, checking for fliers at a local dance, or looking in the yellow pages under dance lessons.

2. Decide whether you prefer to take dance classes run by smaller, independent local studios or those offered through larger, national schools such as Arthur Murray.

3. Wear soft-soled shoes. Beginners don't need to buy special dance shoes.

4. Dress casually. Men usually wear nice, but casual pants, and women typically wear simple skirts or dresses because they like the way the fabric twirls out as they spin.

5. Come alone if you choose. Most classes will balance leaders and partners.

6. Be prepared to be separated periodically if you bring your own partner. Students learn better by dancing with people who have different styles.

7. Realize that you don't need to be a good dancer to take a swing class. Most people can be taught how to dance. It just takes time, patience and practice.

8. Listen to swing music at home. Tap to the beat as you clean the house or wash the dishes.

9. Remember, swing practice makes perfect; once you've learned a few basic steps, practice them at local dances or clubs.

Tips & Warnings

• Most beginner classes teach six-count swing dances - the East Coast Swing and the Jitterbug. You generally need a year of those dances under your belt before progressing to an eight-count dance, such as the Lindy.

• Keep in mind that the East Coast Swing and the Jitterbug are usually accompanied by big band (Count Basie) music, 50's rock and roll (Chuck Berry), or modern jump blues (Cherry Poppin' Daddies), while the West Coast Swing is done to blues music, which is slower.

• Flips and jumps that you often see on television and movies are for advanced dancers. Such moves can be dangerous for beginners and are not allowed on most social dance floors.