East Coast Swing
The Bronze · Bronze · American Rhythm
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo — studio
- 32–38 MPM
- Tempo — NDCA
- 34–36 MPM
- Count
- QQ Q&Q Q&Q
Origin
Born with the jazz of 1920s–30s America and the Harlem Renaissance, rooted in the Lindy Hop of the big bands — Ellington, Calloway, Goodman. Called Jitterbug by the mid-1930s; America’s greatest partner-dance export.
Music
4/4 time — up-tempo swing, from big bands to contemporary tunes.
Character
Bouncy and joyful — non-progressive, built on swing hip action, rock steps, and triple steps.
Figures
- 1
Basic
with or without Turn (L & R)
- 2
Fallaway Throwaway
- 3
Underarm Turns (L & R, Lady & Man)
- 4
Hand Change Behind the Back
- 5
American Spin / Tuck Turn
- 6
Continuous Tucks / Shoulder Taps
- 7
Fifth Position Breaks
- 8
Cuddle
- 9
Hammerlock
- 10
Whips
Lindy Whip · Whip Throwaway · Lindy Whip with Underarm Turn
- 11
Passing Basic
- 12
Hip Bump
- 13
Promenade Walks / Back Walks & Points
- 14
Sugar Foot Swivels / Chicken Walks
- 15
Sliding Doors (Change of Place)
- 16
Peek-a-Boo / Stop & Go
Elsewhere in The Bronze
Want to learn the East Coast Swing?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.