Swing Your Partner With Swing Dancing!

How many of you have secretly had “dates” with the broom dancing the night away, pretending to perform  intricate swing dance steps like a professional? No worries, you are not alone. Social dancing is an excellent way to get some exercise while also having a great time.There are various dances to learn, today, we’re going to focus on swing dancing. Some of you may be shy about it especially when just starting, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a dancing machine in no time!

Swing dancing is fun, energetic, and is used everywhere from weddings to bars since there are so many swing dance tempos and styles. Swing dance lessons are perfect for beginners! Because it is so flexible, it’s a social dance that everyone should know. At Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, AZ, offering private dance lessons and group dance classes, beginners in particular will benefit from learning to swing dance for its versatility and exciting aspect. Swing dancing is very popular and can inspire even non-dancers to tap their feet and snap their fingers. It makes you just want to get out there and dance!

Dance FX Studios, Arizona’s premier dance studio, has been teaching numerous students how to swing dance throughout the last 12 years. Beginning with our Introductory Offer, only $40 per couple or single, we’ll have you feeling confident and skillful in no time! With private dance lessons, you will receive individualized attention, since your lessons will be personalized just for you. Each lesson will be based on your style and rate of learning, to allow you to reach your dance goals in the shortest amount of time possible.

There are many stories as to how swing dancing began. It has been said that the swing era began when Louis Armstrong joined Fletcher Henderson’s band in 1924. Others consider the official launch was when Benny Goodman performed at the Palomar Ballroom on August 21st, 1935. Benny was called the "King of Swing," and is credited for officially starting the swing era. Frankie Manning was one of the original swing dancers and is credited for creating the first Lindy aerial and has performed in and choreographed several movies. 

Swing music can vary from Jazz to Big Band, Country Western, Blues, Rock and Roll and oldies, making swing a must-have dance. Believe it or not, there are 24 variations. Wow! Who knew there were so many? While each swing dance style has its own look and characteristics, swing dancing in general is a the ideal dance for any social occasion.

Some interesting information about some of swing dancing's origins:

• The Charleston is considered the grandfather of swing dances and was popular in the 20s and 30s and in the Jazz scene. The Lindy Hop is from the same time and is associated with Charles Lindberg (hence, the name “Lindy”) and Frankie Manning and is known for its aerials.

• The Balboa came about in the 30s and 40s and is known for its subtle communication and close contact. The Savoy swing, also from this time, originated at the NY Savoy Ballroom and is a fast, jumpy, and casual style of dancing.

• The East and West Coast swing dances also came into popularity during the 40s. The West Coast swing began in California night clubs and is a slower version of the swing that can be danced to various genres of music.  The East Coast swing, which is a style of the Lindy, originated throughout many regions of the country, is a medium to fast version, with lots of turns and other variations, making it another fun option for social dancers.

• The Country-Western swing is a newer version of the Jitterbug style, popularized in the 80s and danced to Country and Western dancing. This dance is said to have begun with Bill Wills, who was fascinated with Jazz, formed his own western big band and helped to create this particular genre of music known as western swing. Today's modern country swing dance derives directly from the music Wills played and the way people danced to it.

OK, now that you know a little more about swing dancing, aren’t you psyched to get started? Dance FX Studios is available for lessons Monday-Friday, from 12-8 pm and Saturdays, from 11-4. We’re located at 1859 W. Guadalupe Rd, in Mesa, AZ, close to the 101, as well as other neighboring cities, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe. Please give us a call, 480.968.6177, to schedule your first lesson for this fascinating and enjoyable journey of dancing!