1. Bounce With a Jump as You Do the Charleston Swing
Falling under the swing dance umbrella, the Charleston has been around since the 1920s and is often associated with flappers and the speakeasy clubs of Prohibition days. However, the Charleston is also a well-liked form of swing dancing that is included in many ballroom dance events and competitions today. The Charleston Swing appeals to people who like to move and jump a lot. Whereas weight shifting and bounce steps are a big part of most ballroom dance styles, especially swing, the bounce in the Charleston comes off the floor. You can easily jump step your way through a routine to do the Charleston Swing.
2. Hop Kicking
Practice the basic hopping and count before you do the Charleston Swing. Begin on your left. Step down with the left foot on count one; then hop on the same foot for counts two, three, four while holding the right leg up with the knee bent slightly. Quickly change feet and next step down with the right foot on count five, and hop for counts six, seven, eight with the same foot as you hold up the left leg this time. Once you get the hopping or jumping down, move on to the basic Charleston step. Starting with the left foot, rock step with a slight jump; then kick forward with the same leg and step forward. Right after, switch and kick forward with the right leg. Then out of the forward kick with the right leg, immediately kick back with the same leg before then stepping back on the right foot. Keep in mind that when you dance with a partner, you'll move on opposite feet; however, you won't face each other as you do when performing other swing dances. Instead, you'll start by standing beside each other with the leader placing his hand across the follower's back and around her waist, and with the follower placing her hand on the leader's opposite shoulder. Keep knees slightly bent and lean forward a bit to do the Charleston Swing.
3. Hop, Jump and a Skip
Move forward with the skip-up to do the Charleston Swing. Starting just as you do with the Charleston basic move, begin with rock step, kick forward and step down. Quickly kick with the opposite leg, but instead of then kicking back, step forward. The pattern is rock step, kick step, kick step, kick, but the last kick is bigger. Use three kicks all together to move you forward. Not only do couples hold on to each from the side for skip-ups, but they also unite and clasp their outer hands, holding them out in the middle and front for balance. This creates a strong frame and moving unit between the leader and follower. Move in closer and angle inward toward each other for the final kick and cross your legs over each other's in the air. Then open back up to repeat the dance pattern and series of steps to do the Charleston Swing.
Member Comments