ATLANTA DANCE

East Coast Swing -- The swing is a lively, upbeat dance that gained much popularity with the rise of big band music. Depending on the speed of the music swing can be danced in three styles: single, double or triple time. It is danced with a relaxed frame and quick bouncy footwork. Basic steps and underarm turns are the beginning steps but there is virtually no end to turns, tucks, and kicks for the creative advanced dancer. East coast swing (sometimes called the Jitterbug) is an American Folk dance originated in the 1940's and was popularized by Swing Bands and Jitterbug Contests. Variations of swing include Lindy hop, jive, boogie-woogie, rock & roll and shag. Basic swing involves many turns and intricate hand movements, and advanced levels can involve throws and flips. It can be very athletic and "hoppy", or grounded and shuffling.

West Coast Swing -- The west coast swing is a bluesy form of swing danced in 4/4 time to slower tempos than most other forms of swing. This dance differs from other swing styles because it is a "slot" or "plank" dance. The partners move back and forth as if in a slot or on a plank, and the men are seen to push and pull the women to where they need to go.