Professional dance instructor John Hill’s charm, humor and effortless teaching style will have you up and dancing the Lindy and the Jitterbug quickly, regardless of skill level.
Through easy-to-follow instructions, you will learn classic swing dance moves from beginners’ steps to elaborate kicks and spins all within the privacy of your own home.
The Let’s Dance Swing DVD features over 90 minutes of dance instruction and interactive menus that allow you to quickly access the Swing steps you want to learn.
Episode List:
• The Underarm Turn:
Learn the basic steps in swing dancing. Start off with the basic count
and move into back rocks, under the arm turns and walkthroughs.
Instructor John Hill teaches the ladies how to add a little flair to the
dance and instructs the men to always follow the bass beat with their
steps.
• Multiple Turns:
Learn multiple variations of the lead in swing dancing. Learn to lead
your partner with the left hand, the right hand or both. Instructors
John Hill and Stephanie Helsel demonstrate the proper tension between
the lead and follow, and illustrate the accompanying footwork and hand
motions.
• Lindy Kick Variations:
Learn Lindy Kick variations in swing dancing! Instructors John and
Stephanie demonstrate combinations that work in jitterbug and swing. At
the heart of this combination is a kick, a 180-degree spin on your heel
and a second kick in the other direction. Switch from one foot to the
other to get out of a kick comfortably.
• Two-Hand Leads:
Learn lead and follow techniques in swing dancing using two hands.
Instructors John and Stephanie demonstrate the intricate aspects of
two-handed leading and following on the dance floor. They also offer an
introduction to switching positions while dancing.
• Intricate Hand Motions:
Learn intricate hand motions for swing dancing! Add variation to the
steps you've already learned by changing the hand motions. Instructors
John and Stephanie demonstrate alternate handwork for under the arm
turns and other steps, creating a varied series of moves.
• The Pretzel:
Instructor John and his partner Monica Parker demonstrate a series of
turns known as the Pretzel! Facing each other, lead your partner toward
you with her right foot and walk her through your arms. Put your
partners right hand over your head and push through with the other hand
to change places.
• Beginning and Ending:
Instructor John and his partner Caitlin Reynolds demonstrate ideal
beginnings and great endings in swing dancing. They add flare by
introducing the ideal tension, the lead and the follow. Finish off your
combination with a dip and a drop.
• Swivel Kicks:
Instructors John and Stephanie demonstrate Swivel Kicks in swing
dancing. Start off with East Coast or Triple Step swing steps. Put your
weight on your right foot, do a back rock, kick to the side, cross your
legs, and then swivel your weight onto the other foot. They also
demonstrate how to switch your hand motion to add tension and stability,
and finish with the transition out of the step and back into the dance.