Dance Styles at Dance Manhattan

The largest and most active Swing dance program in NYC, we feature 19 weekly Swing dance classes taught by this country's brightest Swing stars, the original learn-in-a-day SWING CRASH course, exciting Performance classes, monthly swing dances and special events, NYC's most popular weekly practice session, and a variety of monthly workshops taught by our talented instructors and acclaimed guest artists. There is, literally, something for EVERYONE!! Here is an introduction to the variety of Swing dances offered at our studio...

Born in the early 30's in Harlem New York, this style of dance has become the cornerstone dance style of all modern swing types.

Swing consists of six and eight count patterns, and consists of sub-styles ranging from Collegiate Shag, to Swing/Lindy (also called East Coast Swing by some), to Balboa.

Lindy Hop

Also known as "Jitterbug" or "Bop", this truly american-bred dance has been danced in New York since 1927. It has a strong Charleston influence and is danced in a circular pattern instead of a slot as in West Coast Swing. Dance Manhattan's Lindy Hop curriculum includes 6 & 8 count triple, double and single rhythm footwork, 40's style Charlestons and variations and era specific jazz movements. It can be danced to all tempos of music, from big band swing to 50's rock n' roll music. At the advanced level, it can be done with aerial (overhead) steps which are choreographed and practiced.

Lindy Hop Video-Evita Arce & Nathan Bugh

Smooth Swing

A style of Swing Lindy which isn't bouncy like the "Jitterbug," but is more relaxed and subtle. Smooth Swing plays with syncopated rhythms and footwork in 6 & 8 count triple and single rhythm footwork. It does not include Charlestons or break away jazz movements as in Lindy Hop. It is a style that is danced to any tempo swing music, but no hopping!

Smooth Swing Video-Carol Fraser & Andrew D'Angelo

Dean Collins Style

Also known as Hollywood style, this dance resembles the eight count patterns of Lindy Hop, but focuses more on counter balance and whip technique. It tends to resemble a rubber band kind of movement. Known to many as the "missing link" between early Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing, this style of swing was the first to form the dance slot, which was created for the purpose of filming dancers in the 1930's and 40's.

Balboa

This is an eight count dance originating in the overcrowded ballroom of Balboa Island off the coast of California. It's generally done to fast music, and executed almost exclusively from closed position.

Balboa Performance Team Video-Choreographed by Carol Fraser

East Coast Swing

A style term used by some to characterize swing dancing strictly comprised of six count patterns (called simply Swing/Lindy here). Knowledge of six count patterns is a prerequisite for all styles of swing dancing. We teach these basic, critical movements at the Basic and Advanced Basic level of our Swing/Lindy program. Social swing dancing ultimately combines these fundamental patterns with 8-count movements.

Collegiate Shag

This is an eight count type of swing executed through upward movement, almost hopping. There are versions of single time and double time Collegiate Shag.

These varieties of swing dancing, all of which stem from 6 and/or 8 count basics, can be combined while social dancing to create a very exciting dance experience.

Collegiate Shag Video-Tony Fraser and partner, Shannon

See the breakdown of days/times/levels for each of these by viewing the study guide or the CLASS SCHEDULE section of this website.