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Dance Descriptions

Hand Jive

The Hand Jive first began in the 1950’s.  It became popular when Johnny Otis released his hit song Willie and the hand jive in 1958.  It was a dance game that used a variety of hand movements, wrist crossing, and thigh slapping

Swing

West Coast Swing was derived from Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug.  It is a partner dance and is danced in a slotted fashion (follower dances in a shoulder width rectangle).  It is California’s state dance.  The swing in slot style is said to have originated in San Diego in the late 30’s.  The dance was banned from many clubs in the 40’s because injuries occurred with the dances flips and kicks.  The dance was then refined to a softer motion, hence the slot style. 

 East Coast Swing was said to have evolved from the Fox Trot and also has many of its own variations of the Charleston and the Lindy Hop in it.  It is most commonly danced in a 6-count triple step style.  It is a ballroom dance with street style incorporated into it.

Twist

The Twist was said to have become popular due to Chubby Checker.  With the release of his song of same name in 1959, the dance was soon popular by the early 60’s.  The dance doesn’t require you or your dance partner to make contact; the dance does involve a hefty amount of hip shaking and energy.  At the time it was invented, hip and pelvic shaking were popular due in part to Elvis Presley and Hula Hoops.