Swing dancing is one of the most popular and lively forms of social dance that has its roots in the jazz music of the 1920s-1940s. This genre of dance is an expression of joy and freedom that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. But one question that often arises is, what type of music goes with swing dance? To answer this question, we need to understand the origins and evolution of swing music, its various types, and how it influenced the dance.
The Origins of Swing Music and Dance
Swing dance evolved in the 1920s and 1930s along with the swing style of jazz music. Swing music was characterized by a strong rhythm section that included drums, bass, and piano, a horn section with trumpets and saxophones, and a melody that was easy to dance to. This music was often played by big bands, which consisted of 10-20 musicians and were popular in the dance halls of the time.
The most popular forms of swing dance that emerged during this period were the Lindy Hop and the Charleston. Lindy Hop originated in Harlem, New York, and is said to have been named after Charles Lindbergh’s famous transatlantic flight. It involves a combination of jazz steps, spins, and lifts, and is danced to music at tempos ranging from slow to very fast. The Charleston, on the other hand, originated in the 1920s and is characterized by its fast footwork, which involves kicking and tapping.
The Different Types of Swing Music
There are several types of swing music, each with its own unique characteristics. The most popular types include:
1. Big Band Swing
Big Band Swing was the most popular type of swing music during the 1930s and 40s. It was characterized by large orchestras with brass sections that played upbeat and danceable tunes. Some of the famous big bands of the time included Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller.
2. Jump Blues
Jump blues was a more up-tempo version of swing music that was popular during the 1940s. It involved a combination of blues and swing rhythms and was characterized by faster tempos and more prominent horn sections. Some of the famous jump blues artists were Louis Jordan and Joe Turner.
3. Western Swing
Western swing was a type of swing music that originated in Texas in the 1930s. It combined elements of country music with swing rhythms and was characterized by a prominent fiddle and steel guitar. Some of the famous western swing bands were Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and Spade Cooley.
How Swing Music Influenced Swing Dance
Swing music played a significant role in the evolution of swing dance. The swing style of jazz music provided the perfect beat and rhythm for the dance. The fast tempo and upbeat nature of swing music allowed dancers to express their joy and energy through their movements.
The various types of swing music also influenced the different styles of swing dance. For example, Big Band Swing was perfect for the Lindy Hop, which is a more upbeat and high-energy dance. Jump Blues, on the other hand, was perfect for the Jive, which is a more playful and casual dance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, swing dance is a vibrant and lively form of social dance that evolved alongside the swing style of jazz music. The different types of swing music such as Big Band Swing, Jump Blues, and Western Swing, each have their unique characteristics that influenced the style and tempo of swing dance. So the next time you hit the dance floor for a swing dance, make sure you listen to some swing music that matches your style and tempo!
FAQ
Can you swing dance to any music?
Swing dancing is a style of dance that originated in the 1920s in America, and soon became popular worldwide. It is a lively, energetic form of dance that features lots of spins, twirls, and flips, and is usually performed to swing music. Swing music is a type of jazz characterized by its emphasis on the rhythm section, swing rhythm, and improvisation. However, it is not uncommon for people to wonder if swing dancing can be done to any type of music.
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Swing dancing is usually done to swing music, but it is also possible to swing dance to other types of music, particularly music with a similar tempo and rhythm. Generally, most songs with a 4/4 rhythm will provide the fast beat needed to Lindy Hop to. Swing dancing involves a lot of improvisations, so putting a modern twist on an old classic can give you a point of difference.
That said, there are certain characteristics of swing music that make it ideal for swing dancing. Swing music is typically played at a fast tempo, with a strong rhythm, and features a lot of syncopation. It also has a distinctive swing rhythm that gets people moving and grooving. Swing music also often features brass instruments, like saxophones and trumpets, which give it a distinct sound, and a clear melody and a swingy beat that makes it perfect for dancers to move to.
Swing dancing is typically done to swing music, but it is possible to swing dance to other types of music if it has a similar tempo and rhythm. If you are planning to swing dance to non-swing music, it is important to keep the beat steady and clear, and to keep the rhythm upbeat and lively. Regardless of the music that you dance to, swing dancing is a fun and exciting form of dance that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
What music goes with West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing is a popular form of swing dancing that originated in California in the 1940s. It is known for its emphasis on improvisation and the use of elastic connection between partners, as well as its unique musical style. The music that goes along with West Coast Swing is essential to the dance, as it sets the tone and helps dancers to sync their movements with the rhythm.
The traditional music for West Coast Swing is slower, blues-style swing music that originated in the 1940s and 1950s. These songs typically have a tempo of 80-120 beats per minute and are characterized by their syncopated rhythm, which emphasizes the off-beat. In addition to swing music, West Coast Swing can also be danced to jazz, blues, and soul music.
However, in recent years, many West Coast Swing dancers have started to incorporate more modern music into their routines. Hip hop, R&B, and pop music are now popular choices for West Coast Swing, with some dancers even choreographing entire routines to songs by contemporary artists like Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande. The slower tempo of West Coast Swing makes it easy to dance to a wide variety of music styles as long as they have a consistent beat.
The music that is chosen for West Coast Swing can have a significant impact on the style of the dance. For example, slower, laid-back songs will encourage a more relaxed and sensual style of dancing, while faster, more energetic music will inspire more vigorous and dynamic movements. The key is to find music that resonates with the individual dancer’s style and energy, as this will help them to achieve a greater connection with their partner and create a more compelling performance.
West Coast Swing is a versatile dance form that can be enjoyed to a wide variety of music styles. Although traditional swing music is still a popular choice, many dancers now incorporate more modern music into their routines, making for a fresh and exciting dance experience. the key is to choose music that resonates with the dancer’s style and energy and allows them to create a seamless connection with their partner.
What is an example of a swing song?
Swing music is a genre of jazz that originated in the 1920s and reached its peak popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. Swing music is characterized by its rhythm, which is created by a strong emphasis on the offbeat or syncopated rhythm, and a lively, upbeat tempo that is designed to make people dance. One of the most famous swing songs of all time is “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters.
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” was released in 1941, during the height of the swing era. The song was written by Don Raye and Hughie Prince, and tells the story of a bugle boy who becomes famous for his ability to play the boogie woogie rhythm on his trumpet. The song features a lively, fast-paced tempo, with a catchy melody that is designed to get people dancing.
The Andrews Sisters were a famous singing group from the swing era, known for their tight harmonies and lively performances. The group consisted of three sisters: LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty, and they were one of the most popular musical acts of the time. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” was one of their biggest hits, and it is still considered to be a classic example of swing music today.
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters is a great example of a swing song. It features the fast-paced tempo, catchy melody, and syncopated rhythm that are characteristic of this genre of music. The song remains popular today, and is often played at swing dance events around the world.
Is swing dance sensual?
Swing dance is a style of dancing that originated in the early 20th century in Harlem, New York City. It is a lively and energetic partner dance that is often danced to various genres of music like Country, Pop, and Blues. Many people describe swing dance as a fun and exciting dance form that brings people together in a social and entertaining manner. However, some people also wonder whether swing dance is a sensual dance form.
In many ways, swing dance can be considered a sensual dance style. The dance movements involve close physical contact between the partners, with plenty of body-to-body contact and interlocking movements. The dance style emphasizes the connection between partners, with dancers using their hands, arms, and even their bodies to communicate and respond to each other’s movements. This physical closeness can create a sense of intimacy and sensuality that many people find appealing.
The music that accompanies swing dance also plays a significant role in creating a sensual atmosphere. Swing music is often lively and upbeat, but it can also be very intimate and romantic. Slow bluesy tunes, for example, often feature lyrics that are suggestive and sensual, and the music itself can be very emotional and moving. When partnered with the close physical contact of swing dance, this music can create a powerful sense of intimacy and desire between the dancers.
Despite its sensual aspects, swing dance is also a fun and playful dance form, and many people enjoy it for its energetic and lighthearted nature. The dance moves themselves can be quite athletic and acrobatic, with dancers jumping, spinning, and twirling around the dance floor. This athleticism can create an exciting and dynamic dance experience that is just as thrilling as the sensual aspects of the dance.
Swings dance can be considered a sensual dance style due to the physical closeness between partners and the romantic quality of the music. Nevertheless, it is also a fun and dynamic dance form that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you see swing dance as sensual or playful, one thing is clear: it is a unique and entertaining dance style that brings people together in a joyful and uplifting way.
Can you use copyrighted music for dance?
The use of copyrighted music for dance is a tricky subject as it falls under the category of performing arts. People create different styles of dances set to popular music to express their creativity and provide entertainment to others. However, using a copyrighted song for dance purposes is against the law unless you obtain the necessary permission from the music owner.
Legally, the use of copyrighted music for dance performance requires the procurement of a public performing right license. It is important to understand that the performing right protects the music’s owner’s ability to control the performance of their work and to be paid for its use. Purchasing a public performing right license typically falls under the jurisdiction of performing rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Obtaining a license allows you to use a specific set of copyrighted music for a limited period of time and public performance, such as dance events.
Furthermore, an exception to obtaining permissions called fair use exists in which copyrighted works may be used in certain circumstances without permission or payment. However, this is not a free ticket to use any copyrighted song for dance or any other purpose. Even if you evaluate your use of the copyrighted works, the choreographies, the song and think your use is fair, it does not prevent the copyright owner from accusing you of infringement.
It is important to note that creating a dance reel video for self-promotion is not an educational use. While it may allow you to show your creativity to judges, it is simply self-promotion and may not fall under fair use.
Using copyrighted music for dance is illegal without obtaining the necessary permission or license. It is best practice to consult with a legal representative to understand your rights and obligations as a dancer and choreographer and ensure that you comply with the copyright laws.