East Coast Swing Six-Count Basics
A social dance born in the ballrooms of the 1930s, built on a six-count basic (two triple or single steps and a rock step) with upbeat moves. Students work on coordination, partner connection, cardio endurance and the history of swing music.
How to play
- Warm up the bounce: all students in place bend their knees to the beat of a swing song for 2 minutes, saying "tap-step, tap-step, rock-step."
- Practice the six-count basic without a partner, in lines, for 4 minutes; first counting, then to medium-tempo music.
- Form pairs with a one-hand hold; do the basic together for 4 minutes, switching partners every song on the whistle.
- Teach the follower's outside turn and the underarm side switch; 6 minutes of practice, switching roles.
- Party game: when the music stops, everyone finds a new partner within 5 seconds and, when it starts again, repeats the move you call out. 5 minutes.
- Each pair links basic, turn and side switch into a one-song routine and dances it along with the rest of the class. 4 minutes.
Rules
- The connecting arm stays bent and firm, no yanking.
- No jumping or lifting a partner: just a bounce with feet on the floor.
- Sneakers tied tight and the floor clear of backpacks.
Variations
Easier
Do the basic with two simple side steps and the rock step, no bounce.
Standard
Six-count basic with bounce, outside turn and side switch.
Harder
Add the behind-the-back pass and speed up the music.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility marks the basic with the arms from the chair while the partner turns around them, keeping the hand hold.
- Students who are blind or visually impaired dance in closed position for a touch reference, and you describe each move out loud before doing it.
- Students who tire quickly can sit out every other song or reduce the bounce to a simple step.
Learning goals
- Coordinate the six-count basic and bounce with the music.
- Keep the partner connection during turns and switches.
- Learn the roots of swing as a popular social dance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music: 1
- speakers: 1
Teacher tip
Many students lose the count on the rock step; say "rock-step" out loud. This is a high-energy dance: on hot days alternate fast and slow songs and allow water breaks.
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