Top 5 Basic Swing Dancing Moves

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Many beginners are not sure where to start when it comes to swing dancing. I can help with that!

Here are 5 basic moves that anyone can do:

1) The Window

All smiles while trying the window

One of the first moves that any beginner can learn how to do is the window. This move incorporates spins and turns in order to stylize any dance. While it may seem complicated at first, the window is a lot of fun to do.

The first step to any dance is finding a partner. Once you have done that, learning the window is the perfect place to continue with swing dancing.

The window is done by switching your hand hold and spinning the follow in one direction twice to create a rectangle with your arms. This rectangle formed by spinning, acts as a window between the lead and the follow.

2) The Pretzel

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As we have talked about before, when it comes to swing dancing, almost anything can count as a move. Many common moves include a type of spin, dip or lift. A lesser-known move is the pretzel.

This move is done by raising the lead's left hand and the follow's right hand. From there, the lead steps through, looping the arms over their head. Then the lead creates a loop around the follow, around themself and back around the follow — making sure to release their grip — in order to end the move.

3) The Tabletop

Dance keeps you laughing all night long

One of my personal favorites is the tabletop. This move is one of the least common moves I have seen when swing dancing, and I think that is part of the reason I love it so much (plus, it leaves room for a cool hair-flip.....who doesn't love that?).

The tabletop is a combination of moving arms and legs in the right way and spinning to execute the move. While it may seem complicated, the idea is simple and with a quick YouTube tutorial or demonstration, it can easily be done.

4) The Back-to-Back

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The back-to-back leaves room for some personalization in the move. This move starts with a spin and ends with you looking at your partner back-to-back.

While back-to-back, you and your partner switch which side you are looking at....aka which side of your partner you face. I love this one because you can always make your partner laugh by making a funny face each time you switch sides.

5) Belt Slide

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One of the most underrated swing moves is the classic belt slide. As one of the easier moves, it is often overlooked.

The beauty of the belt slide is it adds some versatility to any routine you come up with. Instead of cycling through the same two moves and the basic, adding in a belt spin adds some difference to each dance you do.

Whether it be learning or mastering a basic move, adding some spice to your dancing, or even teaching someone else how to do it, these five swing moves are the most important moves for any dancer to master.