Queer Swing

Here are some things it’s helpful to know before your first dance class. You can also check out our What is Swing? page for additional information.

Swing

A style of Jazz music that originated in Black American cultural spaces in the 1920s and 1930s with small groups of musicians in New Orleans and the Big Bands of the Harlem Ballrooms, and other American cities. It is characterized by a swinging or syncopated rhythm and musical expression and improvisation. Dances that are performed to this music are called Swing dances, after the music. Lindy hop is the original partnered Swing dance, and many dances have evolved out of it, as the music has changed, and as the dances have moved around to different geographic regions and picked up different influences. Jitterbug, Jive, Rock & Roll, Boogie Woogie, West Coast Swing are all off-shoots of Lindy hop. At Rhythm City, we are devoted to Lindy hop and related Vintage Jazz dances, such as group solo dances that were performed socially at ballrooms in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, and continue to be studied and danced today, worldwide.

Lead

The member of a partnered dance who determines the moves danced at any given time. The lead initiates the momentum, direction, and flow of the movement of the dance. Anyone may lead, and many dancers both lead and follow.

Follow

The member of a partnered dance who waits for the direction of the lead, and then executes the move or movement that has been led. The follow dances the moves determined by the lead, but may do so in their own particular way, using their own style and flair. Anyone may follow, and many dancers both lead and follow.

NOTE that for the Queer Swing classes we are practicing the policy of Everyone Leads/Everyone Follows (ELEF). We move forward through technique and moves with everyone learning both lead and follow.

Rotation

This is what happens in most dance classes, where leads and follows change partners every few times we try a move, so that every follow dances with every lead. This is the best way to improve your connection (lead and follow) skills, as you learn a lot from how different partners lead or follow, and how different partners respond to your execution of a move.

We usually advocate rotating in our beginner classes, because it is a helpful learning tool, and because it helps to establish and nurture a community of positive students sharing in a group learning environment. Our priority is a community of Swing dancers who mix, mingle, and participate in a joyful dance scene. However, due to health and safety concerns, or for other reasons, you may prefer to remain with only one or two partners throughout a class and/or dance.

For questions about levels, history of the dance, what to wear, and what music to get, see our What is Swing? page.