The Common Thread: ECS, Lindy, Shag, and WCS
Denise and I have spent our lives immersed in the rhythms of East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, and West Coast Swing. While these dances each have their own distinct flavor and "Spectacle," they share a single, powerful commonality that serves as the "Rosetta Stone" of swing: the 8-count rotational move.
Rooted in the original Lindy Hop, this rotational movement is the thread that binds these styles together. It is the bridge that allows a dancer to move with substance across genres. When we teach, we don't just teach steps; we teach you how to use this common ground to transition seamlessly from a 6-count structure to an 8-count flow.
Understanding this connection is the key to unlocking true dancing pleasure. It moves you past the anxiety of "memorizing a move" and into the tranquility of "feeling the dance."
In our recent intermediate sessions, we explored a truth that applies to both the dance floor and daily life: Complexity is managed through the mastery of the basic weight shift. When a dancer moves from a 6-count basic to a 360-degree solo rotation, the brain often panics. It sees the "Spectacle" of the spin and loses the "Substance" of the rhythm. We solve this by treating the rotation as a tactical maneuver rather than an emotional flourish.
The Anchor Points: We focus on counts 2, 4, and 6. These are the "is" of the movement—the moments where weight must be fully committed. If the weight isn't there, the turn fails.
The 3-Foot Square: By restricting the space, we force Proprioception. This is the physical equivalent of "Deep Listening." You aren't just moving; you are aware of where every inch of your body exists in relation to the center.
The 8-Count Expansion: To manage faster tempos, we don't move faster; we add structure. By inserting two steps between the triple steps (1, 2, 3&4, 5, 6, 7&8), we provide the brain with "recovery beats."
The cognitive load you feel when in this class isn’t just physical; it is the effort of Mindful Awareness. Most people "react" to music; our students are learning to "respond" to it.
Listening is a skill: You are hearing the measures and aligning your 180-degree or 360-degree changes to those specific beats.
Thinking is a skill: Maintaining a "Quiet Brain" while your body rotates requires the same discipline as meditation.
If you struggle while in a class like this, it wasn't because you couldn't "dance." It was because you were practicing Athletic Thinking. You were learning to maintain structure in a 3-foot square while the world (and the music) moved around you.
Next time you are in a crowded space—on the floor or in a conversation—find your "even counts." Where is your weight? Are you rushing the turn, or are you hitting the beats?
Comments
Post a Comment