By Bernhard De LucaUpdated
On udansa, you will meet other Swing enthusiasts from your area who, just like you, want to experience the energy of the vintage era on the dance floor. Connect with each other and find the perfect companion for the next social dance.
The golden era of jazz lives on on the dance floors of the world. Discover the variety of classic dances that connect people worldwide with their energy, joy of playing, and a unique subculture.
Historical origin
Only historically developed styles that trace directly back to the swing era have been included.
Active community
Every listed style has an active, worldwide community with regular social dance events.
No paid placements
Inclusion in this overview is completely independent and without any financial compensation.
Originated in Harlem (New York), late 1920s, expansive
The undisputed king of the swing era. It combines fluid movements, spectacular turns, and plenty of room for improvisation. It is danced to classic big band music, where communication within the couple plays a central role.
USA, 1920s, high-energy and rhythmic
The root of all swing dances. With its characteristic, high-energy kicks and eccentric body language, it embodies the attitude to life of the "Roaring Twenties". It is danced both solo and as a couple.
Balboa Peninsula (California), 1930s, compact
The elegant answer to crowded dance floors and extremely fast jazz. The dancers remain in very close upper-body contact, while the footwork below the hips is highly precise and delicate. Perfect for fast tempos with minimal space requirements.
USA, 1930s, fast-paced and athletic
An extremely energetic, almost bouncy dance that is primarily danced to fast Dixieland and Ragtime jazz. The upright posture and characteristic kicks to the back give it an unmistakable, cheerful look.
USA, 1940s, structured and lighthearted
A close relative of the Lindy Hop, characterized by a slightly more upright posture and a distinct rhythm. It combines influences of the Charleston with the flowing movements of classic swing and is ideal for medium-tempo music.
The modern swing dance scene is characterized by a very special dynamic. Unlike in many other dance areas, the focus here is not on perfecting rigid choreographies, but on social exchange and the joy of improvisation. The scene is extremely well-connected worldwide. Almost every larger city has its own weekly social dance evenings, often accompanied live by swing bands that play the authentic sound of the 1930s and 1940s.
Anyone diving into the world of vintage dance styles for the first time will quickly realize that the community is extremely open and welcoming. It is completely normal to dance with many different partners over the course of an evening. Experiencing the music together and the playful interaction make it easy to get started, even if you have not yet mastered the complex footwork perfectly. If you would like to learn more about the dynamics of these communities, our guide Social Dance Styles: Find your dance community will help you find the right way to get started.
The main difference lies in the space required and the posture. Lindy Hop is an open, expansive dance with wide turns, while Balboa is danced in a very close embrace to maintain control on crowded dance floors, even at extremely fast tempos.
Yes, Charleston can be danced solo perfectly well. So-called solo Charleston is an integral part of the vintage dance scene and trains your body control, coordination, and sense of rhythm, which also benefits partner dancing.
Typical of the swing subculture is the love for the vintage aesthetic of the 1920s to 1950s, which is reflected in music, clothing, and events. At the same time, the scene is characterized by flat hierarchies, cosmopolitanism, and the constant changing of dance partners during social dance.
Find the right dance school and learn the steps of your favorite style directly on the dance floor.
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