Hey there, fellow swing dancers! Whether you're just getting into the groove or sharpening your skills, I've put together some notes and routines that’ll help you own the dance floor. These routines can be mixed and matched, or practiced one by one until they feel like second nature. Remember, this is just a suggested order for practice—feel free to mix it up and go with whatever your feet (or memory) fancy on the night!
Swing Dancing Leaders’ Tips:
Always start with a couple of basics to get the groove and the feel of the Follow when dancing. It also settles both parties down and tunes you into the music. When you’ve wrapped up a sequence, try completing at least one full basic step—also known as a “thinking basic”. This keeps you moving, maintains your connection with your partner, and helps you stay in time with the music. Plus, it gives you a moment to decide on your next move, ensuring you start fresh.
Swing Dancing Followers’ Tips:
Here's a handy rule of thumb for Single Time and East Coast Swing, especially for those 6-step variations:
Right Turn: Happens on the second triple (turning to the right).
Left Turn: Happens on the first triple (turning to the left).
To make this easier, think of the “Send Out” and “Bring In” steps. You’ll turn on the second triple when you’re being sent out and on the first triple when being brought in.
Routine 1:
Basic x 2
Send the Follow Out (no turn)
Change of Place
Change of Place with Chase
Bring the Follow In (no turn)
Basic x 2
Rotating Basic (Leader in front)
Send the Follow Out (with turn)
Bring the Follow In (with turn)
Rotating Basic (Leader in front)
Basic x 2
Routine 2:
Basic x 2
Send the Follow Out (no turn)
Tummy Tickle Change of Place
Bring the Follow In (with turn) to open out (side by Side)
Push Step x 2
Rotating Basic (Leader in front)
Basic x 2
Send the Follow Out (with turn)
Follow Turns, Lead Turns (same base as Change of Place)
Shoulder Check
Change of Place (Chase)
Throwaway Turn (Frisbee Turn)
Sliding Doors x 4
Bring the Follow In (with turn)
Rotating Basic (Follow in front)
Basic x 2
Routine 3:
Basic x 2
Send the Follow Out (to double open hand hold)
Wrap the Follow
Unwrap the Follow
Basket around the Lead
Change of Place (Chase)
Hammerlock the Follow
Un hammerlock the Follow
Double-Handed Inside Turn
Change of Place
Disco
Bring the Follow In (with turn)
Basic x 2
Routine 4: Getting A Bit Harder
Basic Step x 2
Rotating Chassé (no more than 2 complete rotations)
Whip Turn (6 count OR ECS timing)
Reverse High Turn
Whip Turn (Lindy Timing)
Bring the Follow In (with turn)
Promenade
Basic x 2
Boogie Step x 2
Change of Place
American Spin
Bowtie
Sugar Push x 2
Bring the Follow In (with turn)
Push Step x 2
Basic x 2
Remember, dancing is all about having fun and expressing yourself. So, get out there, feel the rhythm, and let these routines guide you through some fantastic moves on the dance floor!
Ready to Dance? Contact us today to find the perfect class for you or your loved ones and start your dance journey with Fiesta Loca Central Queensland!
Visit our website at www.fiestaloca.com.au to learn more about our classes and events. Let’s dance together and celebrate the vibrant community we’re building, one step at a time.
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