1a. Basic Step - Open Position
The East Coast Swing syllabus consists primarily of combinations of 6- and 8-count groupings. Figures consisting of 6-counts (or combinations of several 6-count groupings) are said to have "basic timing", while figures consisting of 8-counts (or combinations of several 8-count groupings) are said to have "Lindy timing". The first two levels of the syllabus, beginning and intermediate bronze, focus exclusively on 6-count patterns.
The Basic Step in East Coast Swing is a simple, repeatable pattern representing the most rudimentary version of 6-count (basic) timing. It consists of two chasses and a rock step: The first chasse is to man's left/lady's right (1a2). The second chasse is in the opposite direction -- man to right and lady to left (3a4). Then the couple dances a rock step, stepping directly away from each other and back again (1,2).
The version shown in the man's and lady's charts is the simplest possible interpretation: It is taken in open position without turn, which is particularly useful as a teaching pattern. In practice, however, couples will often turn gradually to the right or left.
