East Coast Swing

History

Roots in Lindy Hop & the Swing Era

East Coast Swing is a direct descendant of Lindy Hop, the legendary dance created in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the late 1920s and 1930s. As big band swing music surged in popularity, Lindy Hop spread across the United States and became the social dance of the era.

However, Lindy Hop was highly athletic and improvisational - spectacular on stage but challenging for beginners.

The Birth of a Simpler Form

Ballroom studios in the 1940s and 1950s created a simplified version of Lindy Hop to make swing more accessible to the general public.
This new form, taught with:

  • Triple Steps,
  • Rock Steps, and
  • A consistent 6-count structure

became known as East Coast Swing.

Because it was easier to learn and matched the joyful spirit of swing music, East Coast Swing quickly became one of the most popular social dances in America and remains a studio staple today.

Musical Information

  • Time Signature: 4/4
  • Tempo: 34-38 mpm (but can be danced much faster socially)
  • Basic Timing:
    • Triple Step, Triple Step, Rock Step
    • Counted: 1&2, 3&4, 5-6
  • Musical Feel:
    • Bright, bouncy, rhythmic
    • Works with swing, rockabilly, blues, early rock 'n' roll, and many upbeat pop songs
  • Stylistic Variants: Single-time, double-time, and triple-time patterns depending on tempo

Dance Characteristics

Key Characteristics

East Coast Swing is known for its cheerful, energetic character:

  • Bouncy, rhythmic movement
  • Triple-step footwork
  • Rock-step grounding
  • Playful lead-follow connection
  • Lots of fun turns and spins
  • Easy improvisation once the basics are comfortable

It's a dance that invites smiles - and sometimes laughter - even with very simple steps.

Technical Notes

  • Movement is more circular than linear
  • The body stays relaxed, with natural swing rhythm
  • Triple steps should feel light and grounded at the same time
  • Strong emphasis on pulse and timing
  • Open and closed positions both used frequently

Why East Coast Swing Works for Weddings

  • Fits a huge range of upbeat wedding songs
  • Easy for beginners to learn quickly
  • Creates a joyful, celebratory atmosphere
  • Works wonderfully on small or crowded dance floors
  • Great choice for couples with playful or energetic personalities
  • Crowd-pleasing without requiring intense technique

Whether the song is jazz, rock, retro, or modern pop, East Coast Swing can adapt beautifully.

Variants & Related Styles

  • Single-Time Swing: Simplified footwork for faster songs
  • Double-Time Swing: More rhythmic, used occasionally
  • Triple-Time Swing (standard ECS): The ballroom version
  • Lindy Hop: Its athletic parent
  • West Coast Swing: The smoother, slot-style evolution

East Coast Swing remains the most beginner-friendly of the swing family, perfect for social dancing, wedding receptions, and pure fun.