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What is the history of East Coast swing?

History of East Coast Swing

Origins and Early Development

East Coast Swing is a partner dance that traces its roots to the swing dance family, specifically evolving from the Lindy Hop, a dance popularized in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s and 1930s. Lindy Hop itself emerged from earlier dances, such as the Charleston, and was closely tied to the rise of jazz and big band music, which provided the energetic rhythms that defined the swing era.

By the early 1940s, Lindy Hop had gained widespread popularity, but dance studios found it too complex and unstructured for beginner instruction. To address this, studios such as Arthur Murray’s developed a simplified, more teachable version of swing dancing. This new style was initially referred to as “Eastern Swing” and later became known as East Coast Swing.

Standardization and Spread

Arthur Murray played a pivotal role in standardizing dance. Recognizing the dance’s potential, he dispatched instructors to nightclubs to observe and learn the various regional swing styles. Since these styles varied greatly from town to town, Murray and Hollywood choreographer Dean Collins worked to standardize the steps. The original version had eight steps, but Lauré Haile, another Murray instructor, later codified it into a six-step basic pattern by 1951.

The dance was designed to be accessible, with a basic six-count step that could be danced in single, double, or triple time, making it suitable for a wide range of music tempos. This standardization enabled East Coast Swing to be easily taught and spread rapidly across the United States and Europe, particularly through its appearances in Hollywood films such as “Way Out West,” “A Lady Takes a Chance,” and “The Fighting Seabees.”

Naming and Distinctions

The term “East Coast Swing” gained popularity between 1975 and 1980, distinguishing it from other swing variants, such as West Coast Swing (developed in California) and the competitive ballroom dance, Jive. East Coast Swing is sometimes referred to by other names, including Jitterbug, American Swing, East Coast Lindy, and Triple Swing.

Cultural Impact and Evolution

Initially dismissed by some dance authorities as a fad, East Coast Swing has proven to be enduring and is now a staple of both social and competitive dance scenes worldwide. It incorporates elements from its swing dance relatives, including the Jitterbug, Lindy, and Shag, and is characterized by its energetic, upbeat style, as well as rock steps and triple steps.

Today, East Coast Swing remains popular in dance clubs, studios, and competitions. Its adaptability to various musical styles, from big bands and rock and roll to contemporary pop, has ensured its lasting appeal.

Summary Table: Key Milestones in East Coast Swing History

Period	Event/Development
1920s-1930s	Lindy Hop emerges in Harlem, NY
Early 1940s	Dance studios seek to simplify Lindy Hop
1940s	“Eastern Swing” was developed and taught by Arthur Murray
1951	Lauré Haile codifies a six-step basic pattern
1975-1980	The name “East Coast Swing” gains widespread use
Present	Popular worldwide in social and competitive dancing

East Coast Swing’s history is a testament to the adaptability and enduring popularity of swing dance, bridging the gap between the exuberant Lindy Hop and the structured world of ballroom dance.

Key Steps and Rhythms in East Coast Swing

Basic Structure

East Coast Swing is built on a 6-count rhythm and features two primary movement components: the rock step and two triple steps. The dance is performed to music in 4/4 time, typically at tempos ranging from 128 to 144 beats per minute.

Basic Rhythm

• The most common way to count the basic step is:
  1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6
  Or using words:
  Rock Step, Triple Step, Triple Step.

Footwork Breakdown

Role	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3	Step 4
Leaders	Rock back L	Replace R	Triple-step LRL	Triple-step RLR
Followers	Rock back R	Replace L	Triple step RLR	Triple-step LRL

Details:

• Rock Step: Step back (leaders with left, followers with right), then shift weight forward to the other foot.
• Triple Step: Three quick steps to the side, counted as “3&4” (side-close-side) and “5&6” (side-close-side) in the opposite direction.

Timing

• Each basic pattern covers six counts of music:
  • 1, 2: Rock step (two counts)
  • 3&4: First triple step (two counts, three steps)
  • 5&6: Second triple step (two counts, three steps).

Common Variations

• Turning Basics: Both left and right rotating basics use the same rhythm and step structure, with the direction of the triple steps adjusted to create rotation.
• Additional Moves: Once the basic is mastered, dancers can add turns (inside and outside), throw-outs, and other figures, all built on the same 6-count foundation.

Musicality

• East Coast Swing emphasizes the upbeat, particularly counts 2 and 4, which gives the dance its lively, bouncy feel.
• The dance’s structure allows it to fit a wide range of musical genres, from classical swing and jazz to pop and rock and roll.

Summary:
East Coast Swing’s key steps are the rock step and two triple steps, danced in a 6-count rhythm: Rock Step, Triple Step, Triple Step. The dance alternates weight between the feet, moving side to side and sometimes rotating, all while maintaining a lively, syncopated swing feel.

*Instructional Videos for East Coast Swing:

https://ncsu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=33267184-29aa-4392-9133-b2e3016406b6

Differences Between Leaders and Followers in East Coast Swing

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leader: The leader initiates and directs the movements and patterns of the dance. Their primary role is to communicate clearly through body language, movement, and signals, ensuring the follower understands what is coming next. The leader typically starts with their feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed, and is responsible for choosing and guiding the dance figures.
• Follower: The follower responds to the leader’s cues, interpreting and executing the movements initiated by the leader. The follower must be sensitive to the leader’s signals, maintain connection, and adjust their movement accordingly. The follower’s role is not passive; they actively interpret and style within the framework provided by the leader.

Key Differences

Aspect	Leader	Follower
Primary Role	Initiates and guides dance patterns	Responds to and interprets the leader’s signals
Footwork Start	Usually starts with the left foot	Usually begins with the right foot
Decision-making	Chooses figures, timing, and direction	Adapts to the leader’s choices, adds styling
Communication	Use precise, decisive movement to signal next steps	Maintains sensitivity and connection to the leader
Adaptability	Adjusts to the follower’s skill and response	Adjusts to the leader’s timing and musicality
Styling	Provides structure, may add own styling	Adds styling and interpretation within the lead’s frame

Interaction and Collaboration

• While the leader is responsible for setting the direction, a good leader also adapts to the follower’s responses and capabilities, sometimes adjusting the dance to fit the follower’s skill level or interpretation.
• The follower, while responsive, can also contribute to the dance’s creativity and musicality, especially at higher skill levels, making the experience collaborative rather than strictly hierarchical.

Summary

In East Coast Swing, the leader and follower have distinct but complementary roles: the leader initiates and guides, while the follower interprets and responds. Both must maintain connection, timing, and clear communication, making the dance a dynamic partnership.