East Coast vs West Coast Swing
East coast swing and west coast swing are two types of dances that have differences between them. Although both of them are 6 count dances, there are differences in their techniques.
East coast swing is also known by the name of jitterbug. Swing originated primarily as east coast. It is interesting to note that east coast swing is danced to jazz music and big band. West coast swing is the ballroom’s method of codifying east coast and lindy forms of dancing. It is important to note that west coast swing is performed in a slot.
It is believed that east coast swing gave rise to lindy hop which is considered an 8 count dance. West coast swing is looked upon as a dance that is slower than the east coast swing. It is more upright in character. East coast favors big band and fast rock whereas west coast swing favors slow rock and rhythms & blues. It favors country music too sometimes.
It is quite natural that in social dancing you would find people mixing both these varieties of dance. There is an admixture of east coast swing and west coast swing forms of dance in social dancing. East coast dance is considered energetic and characterized by rock steps. West coast swing dancing is more sensual when compared to east coast swing dancing.
Experts say that it is easier to learn east coast swing and hence it is recommended for the beginners. In a way it is a standard ballroom dance. They consider that the west coast swing dance evolved from lindy hop. It evolved at a period when swing form of dance began to decline. Lindy hop is not be confused with either east coast swing or the west coast swing. Lindy hop is another kind of swing dance for that matter.
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