Together and Move (in Swing)

[DanceMentor]

When dancing competitive swing in American Rhythm, many dance the triple step using "Together and Move" (1&2). I really like the basic idea behind this because it helps to empasize the off beat, which helps the swing to better fit the music.

Often beginners make the first step of their triple step too big and then it kind of dies on the offbeat.

 

[dTas]

i agree it does help develop the "heavy beat" of the 2 in 1&2. giving the user a more swing like appearance.

as my students start to understand that the 2 is to receive more emphasis i then tell them to try and not make that step quite so big and show the emphasis through their body action and not so much through the size of their step.

 

[Flat Shoes]

This step is typical to Boogie Woogie, but as far as I know not for Lindy hop. BW also has different styling, more lifts in the legs and less bounce in the body.

BW people do more dancing in place, more change of places. In Lindy we move around more, shuffling our feet to get were we're going. I would say BW feet look better and more dynamic when 'hovering' in one place, but LH feet are more moving around, lazily shuffling feet to support the body.

That's my perspective. And don't take it is a suggestion to not use "Together and Move" if you think that looks cool, or make you feel like dancing better. One of the all time greatest Lindy Hoppers, Dean Collins, had a lot of bounce in his feet, and he looked great!

 

[Swingolder]

i agree it does help develop the "heavy beat" of the 2 in 1&2. giving the user a more swing like appearance.

as my students start to understand that the 2 is to receive more emphasis i then tell them to try and not make that step quite so big and show the emphasis through their body action and not so much through the size of their step.

This is the way I was taught (well, after the beginning classes where it was just getting us all to move!) I like the way it feels.