Swing Era

1920’s, 30’s,40’s,50’s, a period of significant social, economic, cultural and political change

Jazz Age, Prohibition, Harlem Renaissance, Women’s Rights, Aviation, radio and movie advancements

Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York

A space for black and white dancers to come together

Blue and white polka dot below the knee full flowing skirt

Hight waist fitted bodice

Short sleeves

White bobby socks low heeled smooth sole shoes

Short curly auburn hair parted off to the side

Bright red lipstick

Dark mascara

Soft, pink-colored cheeks

High waisted blue pleated trousers

Suspenders

White cotton shirt

Pre-tied satin tie

Black and white low-heeled smooth sole shoes

Short and sharp

Black hair

Emphasis on defined side part and slightly longer top section

Band plays “Jersey Bounce”, by Benny Goodman

200 beats per minute

Trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass drums

Saxophones (alto, tenor, baritone)

Jazz, Swing, the Big Band sound

African American dancers, Frankie Manning, Norma Miller show us how it’s danced

Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Charleston evolves into “Jive”

Soft knees, bounce the body

Step on every other beat

Step on every beat

Mix it up, free style

Rock step, triple step, triple step

1,2,3&4,5&6

Change it up

Shorten the step

You’ve got it

Feel the vibe,

Feel the groove

Travel forward

Travel backward

Stay in place

In and out, rock step, in and out

Close position, connect

Leaders give your followers a side hug with their right arm

Followers bring your left arm up drop it down bend at the elbow

Open position, use one hand, use both hands

Keep the step

1,2,3&4,5&6

Move towards each other

Move away

Rotate to the left, rotate to the right

Change partners

Mix it up

Do you feel it, the groove, the vibe

Fun,Fun,Fun&Fun,Fun&Fun

Dance brings us together