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re: Lindy Hop and "Ballroom" Swing.

Posted by Ghostdancer

11/23/2002 8:32:00 AM

Originally posted by A2:
I am a hardcore Lindy Hopper who dances regularly in the NY/NJ/PA social dance scene. Most of the dances I go to are *strictly* Lindy Hop, however, I do attend dances with a mix of styles. There is, indeed, a difference between "ballroom style swing" and Lindy Hop. I believe most of the ballroom style is a 6-count (East Coast) pattern. From what I've observed, ballroom swingers don't do swing-outs. They also swing dance in a more upright fashion than traditional (Savoy) Lindy. Swing-outs (or whips, as in Hollywood style Lindy) are the keystone of Lindy Hop and that is one thing I don't see any ballroom stylers doing. Nevertheless, Lindy Hoppers and ballroom dancers share the essentials of partner dance: connection, frame, centering, lead-follow technique, etc.

In general, Lindy Hoppers are fierce loyalists who get edgy when people equate all 'swing' with Lindy Hop. East Coast, West Coast, Ceroc, etc. ARE real 'swing'....they're just not Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop is a style of the generalized term 'swing dance'. It is different from the other swing styles, but I for one would never say one is better than another. Viva la difference!

[This message was edited by A2 on 11-23-02 at 07:04 AM.]

[This message was edited by A2 on 11-23-02 at 07:06 AM.]

Well, I do East Coast Swing; the ballroom variety, but I do use some lindy patterns such as the whip or swing out if I'm thinking of the same one you are and I really like them

What I have noticed from the lindy hoppers here is that most of the patterns they use are primarily done using their feet. They don't do much with their hands and arms outside of basic turns as I was taught to do.

But even ballroom swing is more of a "let it all hang out type of dance" then the other ballroom dances since the "rules" of frame and posture are not as strict - IMO.

What is interesting is that the local lindy club here teaches single time and triple time at their group classes right before the dances as did the one in Seattle when I was there in August for a visit.

"Dancing is a contact sport; football is a hitting sport" - Vince Lombardi

re: Lindy Hop and "Ballroom" Swing.

Posted by clombard

11/13/2002 6:23:00 PM

Originally posted by Ghostdancer:
I've been dancing for quite some time now in both ballroom and swing, but it's only recently that I have discovered something; there seems to be two different worlds between Lindy Hop and swing dancing as it is done in the ballroom environment.

What I'm getting from the hard core lindy hoppers is that their dance is the only real swing and what is taught and done in the studios - East Coast, West Coast, single time is not real swing and with some hostility and ridiculing on their part.

Wondered what comments there are on this.

_"Dancing is a contact sport; football is a hitting sport"_ - Vince Lombardi

my 2 cent comment.....

Well, i learned swing and lindy as 6 and 8 count swing ( ECS). In the two ballroom studios that i have been dancing regularly, they combine swing and lindy.
I've been taught that a fast swing should be danced as single time, something that is normally not very popular.
WCS is considered a whole separate dance... but then, i live in the east coast.

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