Swing

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"One who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."

Friedrich Nietzsche

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Swing

Ballroom Dance Category:American Rhythm, International Latin

Swing History

The Lindy (Swing) picked up where the Charleston left off. It has "swing-outs", "break-aways", and "shine-steps". With the birth of "Swing" music in the mid-a930's, the Lindy climbed the social ladder. In August of 1935, at the Palomar Ballroom, bandleader Benny Goodman played a Fletcher Henderson arrangement of "Stompin' at the Savoy". The rest, as they say, is history. The dance craze swept the nation, and depending on where you lived, it was the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop, or the Swing. This most uniquely American dance is enjoyed all over the world.

Swing Characteristics

A side step or a triple step (shuffle) followed by a rock step done to a lively music is the fundamental pattern for this dance.

Swing songs and artists include:

In The Mood - Glenn Miller
Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley and the Comets
Hump, Juve, and Wail - Louis Prima and the Brian Setzer Orchestra

Want to learn more about the Swing? Fill out our online form to arrange a free introductory dance lesson with a certified Arthur Murray dance instructor.

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FAQs

Arthur Murray Basic Program
Arthur Murray Associate Bronze Program
Arthur Murray Full Bronze Program
Arthur Murray Silver Program
Arthur Murray Gold Program

The Arthur Murray Basic Program assists in the development of the most important ballroom dance moves that you can use immediately on the dance floor. Emphasis is placed on three important elements of dancing; (1) foot position (2) rhythm and timing (3) leading or following with enough variety to keep your learning experience interesting.

The Arthur Murray Associate Bronze Program is the most popular ballroom dance program Arthur Murray has to offer. It is perfect for those individuals wanting to get on the dance floor quickly and confidently. This program helps the basic dancer develop more confident movement around the dance floor while expanding one's ballroom dancing knowledge, technique and footwork. Associate Bronze dancers also begin to develop an understanding of a dance's characteristics and begin to more effectively use styling in their dancing.

The Arthur Murray Full Bronze dance program is the most complete social ballroom dance program taught by the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It's designed to develop appropriate timing and techniques in all the student's favorite social dances. The enhanced styling this program offers makes one look and feel more comfortable on the dance floor and strengthens both leading and following regardless of one's partner, the music being played or the type of dance floor. Bronze dancers have all the confidence anyone would need on the floor because they have reached the most entertaining level of ballroom dancing. Dancing techniques at this level will be yours to keep for the rest of your dancing adventure.

The Arthur Murray Silver Program is the beginning of the professional ballroom dance standard where the dancer begins to embrace the refinements of styling and the precision of technique. More elaborate movements ensure the Silver dancer will stand out on any dance floor. Continuity of movement enables a couple to glide across the dance floor with natural fluid directional changes and seamless transition. Style, technique, balance and control take on an entirely new meaning for the Silver dancer.

The Arthur Murray Gold Program is the ideal for the dancer interested in ballroom dance performances, exhibitions and competitions. The intricate patterns learned at the gold level are generally only to be used when both partners are proficient. Choreography, styling, technique and showmanship become necessities at this level. This material is generally not used on a crowded dance floor due to the flowing patterns and expansive shaping. There is a lot of work involved in this program, but this is where one becomes truly an outstanding dancer, able to excel in any dance.

Contact Info

Arthur Murray Dance Center
534 Selby Ave
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 227-3200

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