Where to Start -
Learning Swing Dance Basics

These are the videos we recommend for swing dance beginners. First of all, you need to decide if you want to begin with Lindy Hop or East Coast Swing, also known as Jitterbug.

Definitions:
Lindy Hop is the original 8-count swing dance born in the 1930's at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. It is an exciting dance both to do and to watch.

East Coast Swing/Jitterbug is an easier dance to learn and for beginners to start with than Lindy Hop. It has a simple 6-count basic step: slow/slow/quick-quick (or triple/triple/quick-quick.) No matter where you start, you will be able to use everything you learned in both swing dance styles.

Our recommendation:
If you have little experience with partner dancing, the less complicated East Coast Swing is a good place to start. On the other hand, if you are an experienced social dancer or a quick learner and the people in your area are doing Lindy Hop, go for it!

The Stevens Sisters East Coast Swing/Jitterbug videos and the Frankie Manning Lindy Hop videos have the clearest instruction and the best teachers.

Take a look at the other videos below which we think will be particularly useful to beginning social dancers.