Swing walk

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Swing walk is a dance from the 1920s and 1930s. It is related to other partner dances like Foxtrot and Balboa.

At the Savoy Ballroom in the 1930s, when Lindy Hop was invented, most of the dancers were doing swing walk.

The style of swing walk is for the couple to move around the room. The lead's job is to present the follow and make her look good. Every 8 counts the lead directs new footwork and position, to fit the music, amuse the follow, and show off to anyone watching. The follow's job is to collaborate and make the dance fun.

[edit] Footwork patterns

By default on the 1 count, the lead usually steps forward with his left foot and the follow usually steps back with her right foot. The follow moves to match the lead.

  • Basic: Slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick.
  • Walking: Slow, slow, slow, slow.
  • Marking: Step, tap, step, tap, step, tap, step, tap.
  • Chassé: Triple step left, triple step right. This can be done in place. When combined with turning 180 degrees every 4 counts, the couple can quickly move around the room.
  • Balboa: Like the Balboa basic.
  • Charleston: Like the Charleston basic.

[edit] Closed position

Dancers stand in closed position, rib cage to rib cage, like in Balboa.

Dancers do any footwork variation while they:

  • Stand in place
  • Turn as a couple
  • Move as a couple

[edit] Promenade position

Dancers stand side by side, like in Charleston.

The dancers do footwork while:

  • Move forward.
  • Standing still.
  • Trading sides. The lead moves from left to right by stepping out in front of the follow, trading arms, then letting the follow catch up. The follow moves from left to right, by the lead holds still and directs the follow to turn in front of him, then he catches up.