Today, dancing is more popular than ever, especially ballroom dancing. In the last decade since the premiere of Dancing With the Stars, ballroom dancing is experiencing its biggest comeback since the 1940’s. Although people aren’t rushing to buy top hats and tails the business of dance lessons is also at an all-time high. In the coming year, a 20% increase is expected and competitions have grown in numbers rising from 25 to over 90 per year according to the National Dance Council of America. With such as resurgence, in popularity one could expect to find a dance studio in nearly every large city. Indeed, one of the most popular dance lesson franchises in the United States is Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
The top five most popular ballroom dances styles in the world are Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, and Swing. A dancer skilled in these five styles can dance with a partner from any part of the world. Swing Dance Lessons are offered at dance studios all over the country. Swing dancing developed along with the swing style of jazz music in the period from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. There are many variations of swing dancing, however, the most popular are:
- East Coast Swing – Also known as six-count swing, single-time swing, or triple-step swing. It is an easier 6-count variation of the original swing style, Lindy Hop, and popular for its simple structure and footwork. East Coast Swing is considered the base or starting point for all swing style dances.
- West Coast Swing – Developed in the 1940’s it is slotted and danced to a wider variety of music styles than many others such as rock, country, blues, pop, hip hop and R&B. This style has no bounce and rarely incorporates moves that require the dancers to leave the floor.
- Lindy Hop – The Lindy Hop is known for its high level of physicality involving an 8-count swing out and an emphasis on improvisation. The dance is performed in a circular fashion with a many hops, flicks, lifts and drops. It is said to be named after Charles Lindbergh who had recently finished his solo flight across the Atlantic.
Swing Dance Lessons are available for all ages and levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are offered privately or in group settings. Many studios offer introductory dance lessons and gift certificates. Special occasion lessons are also offered such as weddings or proms.
