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What is swing dance?

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Swing dance is a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s–1940s, with the origins of each dance predating the popular swing era. During the swing era, there were hundreds of styles of swing dancing, but those that have survived beyond that era include: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate shag and Charleston. Today, the most well-known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem, New York in the early 1930s. These dances began in African American communities as Vernacular African American dances, some influenced swing-era dances, like Balboa and shag. The dance follows the music and the "swinging" syncopated rhythm of the music. 

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This went on to then inspire Jive and Rock'n'Roll. Solo jazz steps from the 30s can still be seen in street dance today. 

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Here are some fantastic books we recommend 

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Jazz dance - Marshal and Jean Stearns

Swingin' at The Savoy - Norma Miller

Stepin' on the Blues - Jacqui Malone

Frankie Manning, Ambasador of swing - Frankie Manning

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