01
C
Charleston
The 1920s solo and partner dance that preceded Lindy Hop — wide stances, kicked heels, and signature side-kick steps that formed the vocabulary Lindy Hop dancers absorbed and reinterpreted.
▲ Rising·Score +22
Swing Dancing
Best Swing Dancing Styles and How to Learn Lindy Hop
Swing dancing is one of the most joyful and social partner dance traditions — born in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the 1920s and alive worldwide today. This guide covers the main swing styles, key movements, and where to learn.
Pick your favorites · Every vote moves the ranking · Results update live
02
G
Global Swing Dance Events and Exchanges
Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden), Stompology, and ILHC (International Lindy Hop Championships) draw thousands of dancers from every continent. Swing exchanges happen every weekend in cities worldwide.
▲ Steady·Score +14
03
N
Neo Swing and the 1990s Revival
The Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Royal Crown Revue, and Brian Setzer Orchestra sparked a mainstream swing revival that introduced millions of young people to Lindy Hop through Gap commercials and music videos.
▲ Steady·Score +14
04
W
West Coast Swing
A slot-based swing dance danced in a narrow corridor — elastically connected lead-follow with diverse musicality interpretations. West Coast Swing's versatility across multiple music genres gives it extraordinary longevity.
▲ Steady·Score +14
05
L
Lindy Hop
The original swing dance created at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in 1928 — named after Charles Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing. Combines 6 and 8-count patterns with improvised swingout sequences and aerial acrobatics.
▲ Steady·Score +12
06
T
The Savoy Ballroom Legacy
Harlem's Savoy Ballroom (1926–1958) was where Lindy Hop developed — a racially integrated space where Black dancers created movements that white dancers copied. The Savoy is swing's spiritual birthplace.
▲ Steady·Score +10
07
E
East Coast Swing (ECS)
A simplified, standardized version of Lindy Hop developed for ballroom teaching in the 1940s — 6-count patterns, simple footwork, and accessible teaching methodology made swing available to mainstream America.
▲ Steady·Score +8
08
F
Frankie Manning — The Ambassador of Lindy Hop
The most important figure in swing dance history — Manning invented the aerial swing-out and participated in the 1980s swing revival that brought Lindy Hop back from near-extinction worldwide.
▲ Steady·Score +6
09
L
Learning Swing Dance: Beginner Tips
Start with 6-count East Coast Swing basic — master the pulse (bouncing with the music) before learning steps. Weekly group classes plus social dancing is the fastest path from beginner to confident social dancer.
▲ Steady·Score +5
10
S
Swing Music Essentials: Big Band Era
Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb's orchestra at the Savoy provided the soundtrack. Understanding the band's rhythm section helps swing dancers interpret musicality.
▲ Steady·Score +3
11
B
Balboa
A close-embrace swing dance from southern California's crowded ballrooms — dancers stay in contact from chest to hip while executing rapid, intricate footwork patterns to fast swing music.
▲ Steady·Score +2
12
C
Collegiate Shag
A fast, bouncy southern swing style from the 1930s with a distinctive hop-step rhythm — danced to speedy big band jazz tempos of 200+ BPM. Popular in collegiate competitions and swing exchange events.
▲ Steady·Score +2
Predict the rank
“Charleston”
Currently ranked #1. Where will it be in 7 days?