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It is interesting to note that a slow–medium Modern Jive dance is approximately walking speed (assuming that there is a weight change on most beats) this may be why some jivers feel uncomfortable dancing to faster music.
For comparison, it is useful to note that normal walking speed is around two steps per second [The Animator's Survival Kit — A Manual Of Methods, Principles And Formulas For Classical, Computer Games, Stop Motion And Internet Animators] (approximately 120 beats per minute), i.e. 40 bars of 3/4 music, or 30 bars of 4/4 music.
[Ballroom Dancing], [Richtig Tanzen 2: Standardtänze von den Grundformen zu den Tanzabzeichen — Langsame Walzer, Wiener Walzer, Tango, Foxtrott/Quickstep, Slowfox].
Hot from the hands promiscuously applied,
Round the slight waist, or down the glowing side.Byron — The Waltz
The waltz75 is a partner dance, danced in close hold along the line of dance, to 3/4 music. Typical waltz tempo is 29–32 bars per minute — with 30 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
The quickstep is a partner dance, danced in close hold along the line of dance, to 4/4 music. Typical quickstep tempo is 42–52 bars per minute — with 52 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
The tango is a progressive partnered ballroom dance, danced in a compact close hold — along the line of dance, to 2/4 music. Typical tango tempo is 30–33 bars per minute — with 33 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
The tango features distinctive staccato head movements. There is no rise and fall in the tango.
The Viennese Waltz is a partner dance, danced in close hold along the line of dance, to 3/4 music. Typical Viennese Waltz tempo is 50–60 bars per minute — with 60 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
The (slow) foxtrot is a partner dance, danced in close hold along the line of dance, to 4/4 music. Typical slow foxtrot tempo is 28–30 bars per minute — with 30 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
Example music for a (social) foxtrot is “Moon dance” by van Morrison.
[The Revised Technique of Latin-American Dancing], [Popular Variations In Latin-American Dancing], [The Revised Technique Of Latin-American Dancing], [Richtig Tanzen 1: Lateinamerikanische tänze von den Grundformen zu den Tanzabzeichen — Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Mambo/Salsa].
The cha-cha-cha is a partnered (latin) dance, danced in open and close holds to 4/4 music. Typical cha-cha-cha tempo is 32–34 bars per minute — with 32 bars per minute as a competitive tempo. The Cha-cha-cha “breaks” on the second beat in the bar and hence it is shown with an initial musical rest for the first beat — this first beat is often danced as a small preparation step to the side as a lead for the overall timing to start the dance.
Note that the first two steps in the cha-cha-cha chassé (triple step) are symmetric — and are each a half-beat in duration.
The rumba is a partnered (latin) dance, danced in open and close holds to 4/4 music. Typical rumba tempo is 28–31 bars per minute — with 28 bars per minute as a competitive tempo. Sometimes described as “the dance of love”. The Rumba “breaks” on the second beat in the bar and hence it is shown with an initial musical rest for the first beat — this first beat is often danced as a small preparation step to the side as a lead for the overall timing to start the dance. In the rumba, the slow “st-ep” is a continuous motion of a step (to the side) followed by completely transferring weight onto that (now supporting) foot, which should give a natural hip action as the weight transfers onto that foot.
The samba is a progressive partnered (latin) dance, danced in open and close holds to 2/4 music. Typical samba tempo is 48–56 bars per minute — with 54 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
Jive is the ballroom version of the Jitterbug (ECS), developed in Britain in the 1960's.
Jive is a non-progressive partnered (latin) dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. Typical jive tempo is 40–46 bars per minute — with 44 bars per minute as a competitive tempo.
Footwork is normally based on the six beat basic: the leader's steps are backwards (left), rock (right), chassé (left-right-left), chassé (right-left-right), but can be varied: backwards (left), rock (right), step (left), step (right), or backwards (left), rock (right), step (left), tap (left), step (right), tap(right), or backwards (left), rock (right), tap (left), step (left), tap(right), step (right) — the follower mirrors.
More complex footwork can be seen, particularly in competitive ballroom dancing: kick (left), ball (left), change (right), kick (left), step (left), kick (right), step (right).
From the relationship between the dance steps and the musical structure, we can see that the six-beat pattern moves in and out of sequence with the musical four-beat bars. The Jive steps move within the music in a six bar pattern (24 beats match 6 complete 4-beat bars of music and match 4 complete 6-beat Jive basics), in contrast to Lindy Hop 8-beat moves. Hence, some classes will start with a triple-step (left-right-left) and some with a back rock (left-right),
Note that the first two steps in the jive chassé (triple step) are asymmetric — and are different lengths, i.e. the first step is three-quarters of a beat in duration, whereas the second step is only one-quarter of a beat in duration.
Body position is “tall” and upright. The footwork is fast and light, but any kicks (and knee positions) are lower than in Continental Rock and Roll. The leader remains static in position, with the follower moving around him.
Ballroom Jive moves and styling are standardised by organisations such as the ISTD, or the IDTA. See [Latin American Jive].
Contrary to expectation, whilst the leader dances the part of the matador, the follower doesn't dance the part of the bull — but rather dances the part of his red cape (capa).
The paso doble is a partnered (latin) dance, danced in open and close holds to 2/4 music. Typical paso doble tempo is 60–62 bars per minute — with 62 bars per minute as a competitive tempo. The Paso Doble is a dance that celebrates the movement of a bull-fighter.
American smooth is an American version of international ballroom dances. American smooth comprises: foxtrot, waltz, Viennese Waltz , tango, peabody (precursor to the quickstep). Unlike international ballroom dances, American smooth removes the restriction that couples remain in a closed dance hole — allowing couples to dance in open and shadow positions, and also includes spins and turns.
American rhythm is an American version of international latin american dances. American rhythm comprises: rumba, cha cha, mambo, east coast swing and bolero.
Body movements are relatively “quiet”, without being overly stiff.
Feet are generally turned slightly out, i.e. toes do not point either inwards, or directly straight forwards.
If you step (i.e. move your weight onto a foot), your next step will be on the other foot, i.e. the same foot is not used for consecutive steps. Can only do consecutive foot movements if you don't move your weight over that foot, e.g. kick, tap in place, step (without weight change).
Dance mirror image to your partner when facing (left-for-right, and right-for-left).
Step to the beat, i.e. transfer the weight from one foot to the other, this gives the Latin hip motion, without having to add any “strange” hip movements.
A dance from the Dominican Republic.
Music is a 4-beats; quick, quick, quick, quick — danced as a constant stepping movement.
“My Cousin Vinnie” has a short merengue scene.
Lambada is a (very) close partner dance; incorporating elements from many dances including: forró, salsa and merengue. Lambada originated in Brazil; but came to international attention when the group Kaoma released their 1989 hit “Lambada”.
The basic lambada musical rhythm is quick, quick, slow — danced as three steps, plus a single preparation step that is danced as a hip lift (lifting the foot off the ground) or as a small kick (without weight), i.e. left, right, left, right kick (without weight), right, left, right, left kick (without weight) — with a quick, quick, slow (and) timing.
Dance position is close with slightly bent knees, with a necessarily offset dance hold, so that partners can step and kick between each other's feet. Lambada is danced with the whole body, not just the legs — in fact the word lambada derives from Brazilian Portuguese; referring to the flowing wave-like motion in a whip — this is mimicked by the dancers bodies and is one of the characteristic elements of lambada. The follower dances on the balls of their feet (heels off the ground — as if tip-toeing on hot sand) with a twist motion so that their steps become more of a “grind” (as if stubbing out a cigarette) which emphasize their hip movements — this is less important for the man.
Music for lambada should have the characteristic three-beat rhythm: e.g. rumba or zuke music.
Mambo is a partnered dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. Typical mambo tempo is 36–52 bars per minute. Mambo is a 1940's dance style similar to Salsa; dancers break on beat two.
Salsa is a partnered dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. Salsa is danced to 4/4 music [Salsa!] with a typical salsa tempo of 36–52 bars per minute.
There are two variants of salsa:
Breaking on the first beat of the bar (on-1 salsa):
Breaking on the second beat of the bar (on-2 salsa) in a similar manner to mambo:
There are several different styles of salsa, including:
a more circular and rounded dance style. Casino is a Cuban style salsa.
a style featuring more intricate footwork.
a more slotted dance style.
Most salsa dance steps follow a six step (QQSQQS) pattern; generally the first three steps are a preparation, while the remaining three steps are the resolution of the move, often a turn or spin.
Step forwards on the left foot
Replace weight on to the right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Step backwards on the right foot
Replace weight on to the left foot
Close right foot to the left foot
Step side left on the left foot
Replace weight on to the right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Step side right on the right foot
Replace weight on to the left foot
Close right foot to the left foot
Step backwards on the left foot
Replace weight on to the right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Step backwards on the right foot
Replace weight on to the left foot
Close right foot to the left foot
A Toda Cuba Le Gusta, by Afro Cuban All Stars.
[Salsa Syllabus Notes — Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver & Gold], [Salsa!], [Salsa & Merengue — The Essential Step-By-Step Guide].
A rueda is a circular progressive dance (usually a salsa) with a caller indicating moves for everyone to follow, similar to square dances, e.g. swing rueda is a progressive swing (Lindy Hop) dance; rueda de casino is a progressive Cuban style salsa.
Basic salsa rueda moves include:
Abajo
Arriba
Dile que no
Dame dos
Doble enchufe
Pimiente
Vacilala y dame
Sientela los dos
Dedo
Exhible
Tarrito
Enchufe al medio
Derecha
Izquierda
Giro
Arosa cadena
Sombrero
Some swing ruedas will use “customised names”, e.g. custard, runny custard, jelly and custard, etc.
There is even a salsa version of line dancing; called salsa suelta (“loose salsa”).
Although the timing is different, bachata could be thought of as similar to balboa — except the “hold, step” is replaced by a “hip, step”.
A dance from the Dominican Republic. Dance position is a closed dance hold, close together, in “the mush”. Knees need to be slightly flexed to get a good hip action — which means that the dance position is slightly lowered, especially as the dance primarily has the legs akimbo.
Bachata, has an 8 beat basic:
step left foot side left.
step right foot closing to left foot.
step left foot side left.
push right hip up, while keeping right toe on the ground. There's a slight rocking feel up and slightly to the right, as a precursor to changing direction.
step onto right foot with weight in-place.
step left foot closing to right foot.
step right foot side right.
push left hip up, while keeping left toe on the ground. There's a slight rocking feel up and slightly to the left, as a precursor to changing direction.
step onto left foot with weight in-place.
as above, and repeat
The direction of the basic can be changed, e.g. to a forwards and backwards movement.
step left foot forwards.
step right foot closing to left foot.
step left foot forwards.
push right hip up, while keeping right toe on the ground. There's a slight rocking feel up and slightly backwards, as a precursor to changing direction.
step onto right foot with weight in-place.
step left foot closing to right foot.
step right foot backwards.
push left hip up, while keeping left toe on the ground. There's a slight rocking feel up and slightly forwards, as a precursor to changing direction.
step onto left foot with weight in-place.
as above, and repeat
The timing of the basic can also be changed, leading to a “swaying” variation.
step left foot side left and sway in an arc weight to the left.
sway weight in an arc to the right.
sway weight in an arc to the left.
sway weight in an arc to the right.
See [Rock'n'Roll Dancing — A Step by Step Guide], [Rock 'N' Roll Study Notes] and [Learn To Dance Jive].
Back to the Future (part 1).
Continental Rock'n'Roll was developed in (continental) Europe and often features extremely acrobatic throws. Continental Rock'n'Roll footwork has a high knee action with kicks and kick-ball-changes. See [Handbuch Für Rock'n'Roll] and [So Tanzt Man Rock'n'Roll].
The Lindy Hop is named after Charles Lindbergh who made the first non-stop solo transatlantic flight in the Spirit of Saint Louis, between Roosevelt Field (near New York) and Le Bourget, Paris on May 20, 1927.
Lindy Hop was popularised in the Savoy Ballroom, Harlem, New York (opened Mar 12, 1926). Promoted by lindy hop dance troupes, such as Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. Lindy Hop brought a variety of dance innovations, including: breakaways (dancing apart from your partner) and air steps.
Lindy Hop enjoyed a brief renaissance in the 1990's, partly due to the series of dance based Gap clothing company advertisements — especially one featuring swing dancing.
Lindy Hop was also known as “smooth” — since there is little variation in head height when dancing — no bobbing up, or down — despite frenetic footwork.
See also [Let's Lindy], [The Swing Book].
There are several different variations of Lindy Hop:
Savoy Style.
Dean Collins Style: more upright style developed by Dean Collins in the 1930's and features in several films including: “Buck Privates” and “Ride 'em Cowboy”.
Hollywood Style: a trademarked version (in the US) of a smooth Lindy style, incorporating some elements of West Coast Swing.
Hip Hop Lindy: Lindy Hop danced to hip hop music, generally more angular and abrupt, using back-rocks on quick beats in the music, and slides on the slow beats in the music (as well as more usual triple steps, and jumps).
Lindy Hop emphasize the downbeat, i.e. the first and third beats in the bar, and (excepting Hip Hop Lindy) is generally danced to swing music, i.e. jazz music played by big bands, popular in the 1930–1940's, e.g. Count Basie — One O'Clock Jump. Swing music is syncopated, stressing beats that are generally unstressed, e.g. a-one-and-a-two.
Lindy Hop is a syncopated partnered dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. Based on an eight beat basic: the leader's steps are backwards (left), rock (right), triple-step (left-right-left), step (right), step (left), triple-step (right-left-right). Lindy Hop also includes six beat moves: backwards (left), rock (right), triple-step (left-right-left), triple-step (right-left-right) — the follower mirrors.
From the relationship between the dance steps and the musical structure, we can see that the eight-beat pattern keeps in sequence with the (pairs of) musical four-beat bars. The position of the first dance step and the first musical beat coincides for eight beat Lindy Hop moves, in contrast with six beat Jive moves. Using two, four or six beat moves will shift the position of eight beat moves within the overall musical structure. Ensuring that an eight beat move coincides with a (pair of) musical four-beat bars, requires a combination of “smaller” moves to form a multiple of eight beats, e.g. four six beat moves equals three eight beat moves, or two six beat moves and a four beat move equals two eight beat moves — this might be needed to hit a particular musical break, or simply to finish with the music, ta-da!
Basic Lindy Hop moves include:
Rock step.
six beat triple-step.
six beat single time.
six beat open position.
six beat closed position.
8 beat triple-step.
8 beat single time.
jockey position.
turn out.
push out.
change position.
jig kicks.
Lindy swing out.
Lindy turn.
Lindy circle.
Real Charleston.
Back Charleston.
Sailor step.
Also includes the send-out, leading the follower from a closed jockey position to an open facing hold76; and the slingshot, a swingout variation where the leader dances a lunge forwards, before leading the swingout.
Lindy Hop is also known as “smooth”, as despite complex (sometimes frenetic) footwork there is little variation in the head height, i.e. the head does not bob up and down.
Body position is “athletic” — the knees are slightly flexed with the body weight kept forwards over the balls of the feet — body leaning forwards (bottom sticking out) with a low centre of gravity.
Swing Jam: hosts “The Official UK Lindy Hop Championship”.
Chance2Dance: Blackpool competition often has a Lindy Hop section.
The UK Dance Championship 2004: Weston-Super-Mare competition has a Lindy Hop section.
Helzapoppin'.
Buck Privates.
A day at the races.
Frankie Manning was born on May 26 1914 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Frankie started dancing in 1927, and became a dancer and choreographer in Whitey's Lindy Hoppers — he invented the air step in 1936.
Sugar footin'
Heels: feet out wide for stability — don't lean too far back.
Boogie back.
Boogie forwards.
Fall off the log.
Crazy legs (rubber legs).
Suzy Q.
Shorty George — named after (the tall) Shorty George Snowden.
(Solo) Charleston.
Skating.
Knee slap.
Scarecrow.
Running Man.
Star Jump.
Star Jump (Slide).
Scissor kicks (starfish).
Jazz box (Shadows' walks).
Truckin' (trucking): stepping forwards and backwards, pointing away from each other and then pointing towards each other, shaking or waving a finger at your partner.
Peckin' (pecking): a head-based chicken impression.
Jitterbug developed in 1930–1940's as a tamer version of the Lindy Hop — sometimes the term is used to signify a simplified six beat version, like ECS and Jive.
See “Groovy Movie” for an affectionate short description.
West Coast Swing is a slotted partner dance, danced in open and close holds to 4/4 music. Typical West Coast Swing tempo is 20–35 bars per minute. West Coast Swing77 is a syncopated partner dance; it is also the California state dance.
West Coast Swing moves can easily be joined together, since all moves finish with an anchor step (and the lady will step forwards as the first step of the next move on her right foot). West Coast Swing moves can be six beats, eight beats, or longer — longer moves will necessarily require additional leads (after the initial lead).
Slow and slinky — slower tempo then East Coast Swing, or Lindy Hop.
West Coast Swing is generally danced in an open position, with occasional closed positions, e.g. during a whip. The follower moves within a slot on the dance, while the leader may move in and out of the slot to allow the follower freedom to travel. Moves are typically six, or eight beats. The six beat basic is: step (left), step (right), chassé (left-right-left), chassé (right-left-right). Basic six beat moves include: the basic (sugar push), left side pass, right side pass, and touch turn. Basic eight beat moves include: the whip.
The main footwork difference from ECS and Lindy in basic steps is that travelling (especially for the leader) is mostly done on the two steps, rather than during the two chassés. In particular, the partners don't back rock; rather than stepping and moving most of the weight backwards on the right foot, and then replacing weight forwards on to the left foot, (a back rock) the follower walks forwards right, forwards left in the basic steps.
Footwork is “smooth”, with definite weight transfers, and danced “into” the ground. Body position is upright with little height variation; at the beginning of a basic dancers may be very slightly leant backwards (during the walk — tension phase); dancers may be very slightly leant forwards (during the push — compression phase).
The dance hold varies: in the east coast swingout the dance hold is relatively relaxed, and the left-to-right hands may be at waist level; whereas in the whip, the dance hold is higher with the leader's right hand on the follower's left shoulder blade.
East Coast Swing is a syncopated partnered dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. Based on six beat basic: backwards (left), rock (right), chassé (left-right-left), chassé (right-left-right).
The Charleston was originally a 1920's partner dance originating from Charleston, South Carolina.
The Charleston has been incorporated into the Lindy Hop: either in jockey position, or tandem (either partner in front), side Charlestons, and hand-to-hand Charlestons.
Charleston steps progress around the body, in a circular motion — either clockwise or anticlockwise.
Boogie woogie is a slotted partner dance, danced in open and close holds to 4/4 music. Developed in the 1950's in Europe, footwork is fast and grounded — unlike Continental Rock'n'Roll it doesn't feature throws.
Online resources
Boogie Woogie is a partnered dance, popular in Europe. Based on six beat basic; step, step, triple-step, triple-step. The follower moves along a slot, with the leader travelling around her.
The steps are performed with the toes rolling through the step, feet remain close to the floor, rather than kicking — the footwork is higher than Lindy Hop chassés, but lower than Continental Rock'n'Roll kicks. The triple-steps are performed “in-place” under the body, rather than travelling like a chassé. The step, step is not normally a back-rock. At any point in time, one leg / knee should be bent, with the heel off the floor, and the toe close to the floor. The musical emphasis comes at the end of the triple-step, i.e. to beats 2 and 4, because the triple-steps don't travel.
The separation between partners and handholds are slightly more extended than in Modern Jive or Lindy Hop because of the speed of the dance.
Footwork can be improvised, providing that the overall structure of the moves can be maintained — for example the step, step can be replaced by
Kick, ball change
“Stomp off” leader's footwork: left forwards in a flat shunt (stomp) (and), right forwards in a flat shunt (stomp) (1); left backwards in a flat shunt (stomp) (and), right foot backwards in a flat shunt (stomp) (2). follower mirrors the leader's footwork.
The milonga78 is an Argentinian partner dance, that predates the tango. The milonga is danced with alternating steps, in general every beat will be “stepped” — sometimes with syncopations.
The Argentine tango is an improvised partner dance, developed in Buenos Aires at the end of the nineteenth century. The most important element in Argentine tango is danced walking in a closed dance hold along the line of dance, to 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 music. Generally, legs are kept close together when walking, so that the knees and ankles brush when stepping. More complex movements include distinctive leg movements, such as sacadas, ganchos, etc.
Tango dancing was deemed so erotic that it was banned in Britain until 1907.
In 2003, the Argentine government declared “La Confiteria Ideal” tango salon in Buenos Aires an historic monument.
Argentine tango music will vary depending upon the target audience — traditional, older orchestral style tracks include:
Carlos Di Sarli collection, RCA Victor 100 Anos.
Ausencia, by Osvaldo Pugliese.
However traditional music can be difficult to acquire through conventional music stores, but may be available from, e.g. [Mike Lavocah's Milonga Website (Tango Music)].
There are other traditions of tango and tango music from countries other than Argentina; for example, there is a tradition of Finnish tango dancing, music, and singers such as Olavi Virta.
Modern tango music, includes:
La Revancha del Tango, by The Gotan Project
Tangoclub, by Bajofondo
[Tango — The Structure Of The Dance]
Tango Bar, by Raul Julia, 1989.
The Tango Lesson, by Sally Potter, 1997.
Tango, by Carlos Sausa, 1999.
Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé, by Stéphane Brizé, 2005.
The Big Apple originated in the 1930's in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Hand Jive doesn't have any steps — basically hand movements to the music. Suitable for most 1950's Rock'n'Roll music, but most applicable to songs like “Willie and the hand jive”, or “Born to hand jive baby” from the show (or movie) “Grease”.
1970's slower soul sounds.
Blues is a partnered dance, danced in both open and closed dance holds. The dance style is slow and relaxed, and is typically danced to slower music. Based on 8 beat basic (all slows): step (left), step (right), step (left), step (right) — or — (all quicks): step (left), step (right), step (left), step (right), step (left), step (right), step (left), step (right). Note the man's right-foot steps in-place, it does not move (it is effectively “glued” to the floor) whereas steps are done with the left-leg.
The closed dance hold is close and relaxed, in the “mush”. The leader's right arm is around the follower's back holding around the follower's right waist, the follower's left hand is placed lightly on the leader's right upper arm (near to his bicep). Unusually the closed dance hold has the follower's right hand very low placed on the outside of the leader's upper thigh with the leader's left hand placed loosely on top.
Nigel and Nina are prominent proponents of Blues dancing in the UK.
Balboa is danced with contact at the diaphragm and chest. Steps are a quick, quick, slow rhythm — where the slow is actually a “hold” or wait, followed by a step — which gives the following “feel” to the dance: step, step, hold, step. In a “balboa basic” the “hold” is a slight lift where the foot hovers slightly above the floor (almost as a small kick). The “hold” in the basic is also a preparation for changing the direction from moving forwards to backwards, and vice versa.
Hence the balboa basic is eight beats in length (with a forwards half on beats 3–6, and a backwards half on the other beats):
step L backwards (Q)
step R backwards (Q)
“hold” L with a slight lift/kick forwards (Q)
place weight onto the L (Q)
step R backwards (Q)
step L backwards (Q)
“hold” R with a slight lift/kick backwards (Q)
place weight onto the R (Q)
Come Around this is a rotational (clockwise basic) rather than moving backwards and forwards, steps are taken so that the couple circle clockwise. However, the “first” hold step is modified to be a “slow” step with a consequent slight sinking sensation.
step L forwards circling clockwise (Q)
step R forwards circling clockwise (Q)
step L forwards (and a slight pivot clockwise), with definite weight (S)
step R backwards circling clockwise (Q)
step L backwards (Q)
“hold” R with a slight lift/kick backwards (Q)
place weight onto the R (Q)
Note the last 3 steps are the same as the last 3 steps of the balboa basic.
The Drop. Initially, both partners back-rock on outside feet opening out to a “V”-shaped closed hold.
step L back (Q)
transfer weight onto R (Q)
kick L slightly forwards without weight (Q)
cross L inside, across the R foot and step onto L with weight (Q)
step R to the right, to uncross it (Q)
replace weight onto L (Q)
step R through, inside with full weight (S)
Exit the drop via a modified come around:
step L back (Q)
transfer weight onto R (Q)
step L forwards (and a slight pivot clockwise), with definite weight (S)
step R backwards circling clockwise (Q)
step L backwards (Q)
“hold” R with a slight lift/kick backwards (Q)
place weight onto the R (Q)
Balboa is named after its original “birthplace” Balboa Island, California.
Balboa, has an 8 beat basic:
Entry step — back-rock (left, right).
“hold” left-foot slightly in front of right-toe. Very slight lean of body weight forwards when moving forwards.
step forwards with weight on left foot, about half of one foot's length in front of the right foot. Note there is more of a push, slide, or glide of the foot than a definite heel-led step forwards.
step onto right foot with weight in-place.
step onto left foot with weight, closing left foot slightly to right foot.
“hold” right-foot slightly behind the left-heel. Very slight lean of body weight backwards when moving backwards.
step backwards with weight onto right-foot, about half of one foot's length behind the left heel.
step onto left in-place.
step onto right foot closing slightly to left foot.
Can lead a back-rock out of the Balboa, and then do kicks to the left.
Can lead a back rock out into an “ugghh” — leader's steps are: cross left foot over right foot, step right foot backwards, step left foot slightly side left, then forwards on the right foot — so that both partners go into a semi-lunge with the follower on the leader's right side — then swap across so that the follower then goes into a semi-lunge with the follower on the leader's left side, etc.
What tempo?
Balboa is a partnered dance, danced in a closed dance holds. Body position is “very tall” and upright, with both partners leaning slightly in towards each other, the dance hold is very close with no gaps.
Footwork is very fast; there is little, or no upper body movement.
Dance hold is very close, with no gaps — “fridge-magnet” close — leader holds near follower's right-shoulder blade with their right hand. The follower's left-hand is placed loosely on the leader's right shoulder. The left-to-left handhold is low and relaxed.
My first reaction to seeing the Shag danced was that it was a sort of partnered Charleston meets Crazy legs combination.
Carolina Shag is the North Carolina state dance. Six-beat basic (slow, slow, quick, quick):
Swing left-leg in a clockwise circle out to left / up / down / step onto it (slow).
Swing right-leg in an anticlockwise circle out to right / up / down / step onto it (slow).
Step onto right (quick).
Step onto left (quick).
Shag is a partnered dance, danced in a closed dance holds. There are two versions of the shag: Carolina shag and Saint Louis shag. The Carolina shag is smoother and suited for slow-medium tempos, whereas the Saint Louis shag is more suited for very fast tempos (and is closer to the Charleston).
Six beat shag, done in “the mush” close — body contact. There is no vertical motion (from the waist up), most of the movement comes from leg movements.
step (1) and bounce on the left-foot (2) step (3) and bounce on the right-foot (4) step on the left-foot (5) step on the right-foot (6)
(non-stepping foot is relaxed and semi-kicks back)
turn out — (no tuck in preparation? lady steps (kicks out) under man's arm as usual.
[Roy Castle On Tap — His Unique Tap Dancing Course], [Tap Dancing At A Glance — The Pictures Make It Easy].
[Belly Dance — A Step By Step Guide], [bellydance].
75The waltz is sometimes called a slow waltz, or English waltz, to differentiate it from the Viennese Waltz .
76In the send-out the hand on the follower's back should point down to get a straight push, rather than a circular shove.
77West Coast Swing was originally known as western swing; the name was changed to avoid confusion with (country and) western swing.
78A milonga is also the name given for a (formal) Argentine tango dance event — that may also confusingly include milonga dances.