• East Coast Swing was derived from the Jitterbug, which grew out of the dance halls of Harlem during the 1920’s. Essentially, the terms East Coast Swing and Jitterbug are synonymous.
• East Coast Swing (6-Count) is intermixable with all forms of swing dancing, though primarily with Lindy Hop
• East Coast Swing is a circular, rotating swing dance that has many wraps, tunnels, and turns.
• The music is diverse and includes oldies (Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry), jump blues, country, big band, and top 40.
• East Coast Swing is a versatile dance suitable for both the ballroom and the bar room.
• With a wide range of music to choose from you can swing to almost anything.
• Swing music is written in 4/4 time with a tempo of 140-175 beats per minute. Since this is a quick dance, the steps should be small and light.
• You can’t go wrong with jukebox tunes from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

What’s the difference between East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop Swing?

• East Coast Swing, also known as triple step swing, triple timing swing, and jitterbug, has a basic count of 12, 3&4, 5&6. Some folks describe the basic as “rock step, triple step, triple step.” The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. It was the standard swing dance of 50′s-era “sock hops.” The music speed is 140-175 beats per minute. This dance has lilt (bounce) and energy. It is generally danced without strict regard to any particular orientation or geometry. It’s easy to learn.

• West Coast Swing is danced in a slot (a linear pattern) to slower music (generally 110-130 beats per minute). It’s a smooth, often sexy dance, and it does not have lilt and bounce. West coast swing dancers consider their dance to be “cooler,” more chic, more sophisticated, and less barbaric than east coast swing. West coast swing can be more difficult to learn because several foot patterns are required and the patterns may contain 6, 8, and 10 or more counts. West coast swing requires a very good sense of timing and connection.

• Lindy Hop Swing is the current rage with young people. Lindy hop swing can involve lots of kicks and aerials (lifts and flips). The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. Common figures include the “swing out,” and the Charleston step.

Single Swing (AKA Rock n Roll/Jive)

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Single
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Double, Single

Single Swing is danced with “Single Rhythm”

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Side Hold”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Double, Single

This version is usually danced to very fast music and in this form it is sometimes called Jive, Single Swing, Jitterbug, or (in Europe mostly) Rock-n-Roll.

Single Swing Clip

Triple Swing (Similar to International Jive)

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Triple
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

Triple Swing is danced with Triple Rhythm

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “triple” to the right. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Triple.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the right for the man. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

It is in this form that the East Coast Swing most resembles the structure of the International Style Jive.

Addition of rotation, underarm turns and changing hand leads create a fun, fast moving and elaborate looking dance even without the addition of other rhythms.

Triple Swing Clip

The reasons to choose different footwork are as follows:

• Learning: Beginning dancers can do simple steps easily, but they may struggle with more complex footwork. Advanced dancers may enjoy more complex footwork.
• Tempo: Simpler footwork, such as steps and holds, are easier to do to fast music. Complex footwork makes slow music more interesting.
• Musicality: If the music has very simple rhythm, then kick steps work well. If the music has a more complex rhythm, then triple steps work well. If the music pauses (breaks) then holds work well.
• Variety: It is nice to vary the dance form, so if you use one kind of footwork for a while, you might want to try another form for a while.

East Coast Swing (AKA Rock n Roll/Jive) 8-Week Course

Start Date: TBC
Venue: TBC (Dublin City Centre)
Cost: €100 per person (40% discount on groups of 5+ people)
Teacher: Alan Doyle (The only LeRoc & GSDTA Trained Teacher in Republic of Ireland)

Contact: alan@danceclub.ie or 085-8434071 for more information