Fast Swing Dancing - ULHS 2006

[kittycat42300]

how the heck are we supposed to do this in ballroom dancing!?!

[lindyhop411]

@kittycat42300 You don't. Real swing dancing like this is not going to be found in ballroom dancing classes. The dancing in this video is "Lindy Hop". It's the original swing dance, and it's it's considered a folk dance that was created in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s. The swing dancing you'll find in ballroom classes is literally a watered down white version that was created in the 1940s by people who couldn't do this dance.

[kittycat42300]

@lindyhop411 ooooooohh i got scared but this was really amazing!

[hackman005]

so cool. Thanks for uploding it

[Aprinsa]

1. I would ever want to dance that fast in my life. EEK. 2. I wish I were strong enough to do those aerials... guys are lucky bastards.

[lindyhop411]

@Aprinsa It's about technique. Strength helps, but if that's all you're using then you're doing it wrong.

[Aprinsa]

@lindyhop411 Ah. I haven't actually gotten to aerials yet. I just assumed it would require a lot of strength! I haven't seen any female leads doing them yet. I know one girl who leads and has been doing swing for 8 years and says she can only do the ones that go under the lead... but she's also smaller than me. I could probably pick her up!

[lindyhop411]

@Aprinsa Well remember that the guy who invented air steps didn't start doing them until he had been dancing for 10 years. Also, what kind of swing dancing are you learning? If you can't answer that question, you're definitly not ready for air steps. The dancing in this video is Lindy Hop, the original swing dance, and the dance associated with air steps. When you do learn them, remember they're for performances or competitions, not the social dance floor. :-)

[chopseh]

Everyday I'm shufflin

[yusei559]

there are very inapropriate parts at 2:46 it creeps me out

[PeculiarStranger]

Swing dancing is fun to watch, but I honestly think I would puke if I tried it..lol

[vivandjes11]

O.o

[gomerkiller272]

I appreciate this that ppl can keep in touch with the good old days

[dandilionloverr]

I'm going to learn this!!!

[lindyhop411]

@dandilionloverr Just make sure you learn Lindy Hop!

[CookStetco]

WOW !!!! UNBELIEVABLE !!! YOU GUYS (AND GALS) ARE AWESOME!!!!

[serena5398]

2:42 can not be healthy! but it was SWEET!!!!! THESE PEOPLE ARE AMAZING

[182SCA]

I WANT TO LEARN THIS!!! SO BAD!!! lol I wish I could dance this way! Absolutely Amazing

[MOZZWIGAN]

Dear diary it's week 3 now, food is low and iv'e lost 2 stone, and i still cant find liviaazevedo22's comment :-(

[Kris4236]

A A A

[Loveforever882]

If I did that... my partner would be worried because he'd hear a crackling sound everytime her through my up in the air and I hit the flor!

lol

[1UpWATERnp]

You know what I love most about this? It's not the dancing and it's not the fancy tricks (while those are wonderful as well). It's the fact that when they messed up in their step, they played it off like it was meant to happen. That's the most incredible thing about all of this- they way they handle themselves under pressure.

[lindyhop411]

@kenisurD Most of the dancers in the video started dancing in college, and were/are in their mid/late 20s when this video was recorded.

[leo5aries]

A+

[gathersteel]

incredibly energetic

[Deltron14]

2:46 and 3:00 How dancers procreate.

[cameronversluis]

I learned these things about gravity and friction when I took Physics, and I'm quite convinced that these people have, well, never taken Physics.

[zextreme47]

Awesome dancers! Thanks for the video!

[GlamourScandinavian]

Hahaha, this is fucking awesome!

[flawlesswerewolf605]

2:46

[MikeXoman]

Anyway , you guys did a great job . Enjoy your dance . Mike

[AndHeWalksAway]

So awesome!!! Great job everyone!!! I've watched this video a thousand times and cant get enough of it.

[jponce08]

@lindyhop411 This is an amazing performance by all of the competitors, can't believe they're high school students! ~ truly thanks for uploading. Small Q in regards to "swing dancing," - I have a bit of trouble understanding the difference between lindy hop, west coast swing, and east coast swing. I am a complete newbie at this and have found lessons nearby where they offer them all. Would you be so kind in providing me with a sum'd up 'beyond the books' comparison for them? Thank you beforehand.

[lindyhop411]

@jponce08 They aren't in high school, they are in their 20s and 30s. ULHS stands for "Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown".

Lindy hop is the original swing dance. The basic consists of the 8-count swing out. Look up what it looks like online. East Coast Swing is a standard ballroom dance created for beginners to learn. It has a 6-count basic, and is normally the first swing dance a beginner learns before moving on to Lindy Hop. West Coast Swing is modern Lindy Hop, danced to pop music.

[MikeXoman]

I think back in those yrs they dance that way R&R Swing ...??? but back in the 30 - 40 they danced " Charleston " ??? anyway really enjoy your dance very much so . Merry Xmas to you all keep on sending some good show . Mike

[lindyhop411]

@MikeXoman The charleston was popular in the 1920s. Swing music became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. This dance, the Lindy Hop, became popular with swing music, but came out of charleston. Rock n' Roll movies of the 1950s, like "Don't Knock the Rock" all feature Lindy Hop, but it's a California style Lindy Hop.

[jay1stnewyorker7]

Man, they've got the jives baby! It's the greatest thing once you've got that swing!!! ...smashing!

[liviaazevedo22]

ugly dance...

[lindyhop411]

@liviaazevedo22 Says the guy that can't dance.

[MikeXoman]

Great job kids you guys the best in the 50's

[lindyhop411]

@MikeXoman Don't you mean the 1930s and 1940s?

[Heros14]

Its sick how this dance uses cinetic from both partners to create combos like that! Its teamwork to the bones! I mean, you swing your partner to jump/swing/make some step/stuns and all that! Its just danctatic!!

[loserssoldier]

Yup, the physicists are wrong. Friction is not a thing!

[chrissieb459]

who won??????????

[marielove024]

Amazing!

[ragefanaddict]

pitruzella and mei shoulda got first, pitruzella the man

[LunarMusic18]

I actually enjoyed watching this... so random

[FireSpinnerAndy]

holy poo! this has got to be the best youtube vid EVER! Would these be choreographed or improv? Time to find a swing dance school I think :)

[lindyhop411]

@FireSpinnerAndy It's a little bit of both. Notice how when one couple does an air step, the next couple does the same air step, but tries to do it better or differently? It is a battle so they have to think on their feet, but obviously they've practiced their "combos" a lot before hand.

[frubinos]

oooooohhhhhhhh, já chcu taky tančíííííít

[amsaric]

How long does it take for a person to learn how to dance like there is no gravity? Seriously though. I want to do this!!!!!!!

[lindyhop411]

@amsaric Everyone is different. How long does it take to be awesome on the guitar? Just like anything else, dancing takes practice.

[amsaric]

HOLY CRAP. This is freakin amazing. I cannot handle it.

[scribble127]

They must be so fit, I'm exhausted just from watching.

[MysticalPopTart]

that's it. i'm gonna be a swing dancer

[lindyhop411]

@MysticalPopTart Should you say, "I'm going to be a Lindy Hopper"?

[coccadrilla]

Waaaahnsinn, Great!

[sunnydale22]

Sheer freakin' talent. I'm in love with all of them. :P

[STEVEyoooo]

LOL white people

[lindyhop411]

@STEVEyoooo You do know that this is a black dance created in Harlem in the 1930s, right?

[FlemNmzzzz]

@lindyhop411 Damn u burnt his ass right up with that comment.  I smell a rancid stench of burnt pork lol

[ZeroxKunai]

@lindyhop411 this is GREAT! F****** GREAT! i wish i were there

[holybulz27]

@lindyhop411 Who said it wasn't??? Who cares? It's young people celebrating a great dance. OMG black,white,white, black. Grow up.

[lindyhop411]

@holybulz27 I replied to a person who was making fun of the video because it was a bunch of white people swing dancing. I was just clarifying the origins of the dance and that persons misconceptions. I figured it was the grown up thing to do. :-)

[newmind1]

@STEVEyoooo Racist fool

[LongLiveLink3]

Fuckin classy

[MichiSWAG]

Hahahah. The "orm" looks so wierd xD

[Dan1Ly0]

unbelievable amazing!

[LovingSWC]

Ooh geez I'm in grade 9, and we're performing swing for our yearly multicultural show. But at like, a quarter of this amazingness xD

[lindyhop411]

@LovingSWC I hope you are learning East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, and not "pull and push" swing or the Pretzel.

[OneMistaMark]

@lindyhop411 are you referring to West Coas --->t "Pull and Push"? lol

[lindyhop411]

@OneMistaMark No I'm talking about that crap that people do that comes from New York Hustle.

[Calculon64]

This video made me realize how much my life sucks.

[noonedude101]

Damn! I'm feeling so swing and there isn't another dance till the 16th!

[dormi87]

Who won?!?!

[peruvianhitman]

@dormi87 couple 2, 1 and then 3

[Ton2a]

Can someone please tell what's the difference between Lindy Hop and Swing dancing? I wanna watch more videos like this.

[lindyhop411]

@Ton2a There's many different forms of swing dancing, but Lindy Hop is the original swing dance. Other swing dances would be dances like Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, etc.

If you want to know the history of swing dancing, look up the history of the swing dancers of the Savoy Ballroom. Specifically, Shorty George Snowden, Frankie Manning, and Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.

[Ton2a]

@lindyhop411 Thank you very much for your answer, now I understand. I've seen the styles you mentioned but the one I like the most is Lindy Hop.

[missingyou90s]

wow (bows down)

[GalCesana]

go to 0:34

[spabrat]

geez,I got winded just watching this. those are some talented dancers,not the gyrating crap today.

[tealtear2]

i realized almost at the ending i didn't see the third couple dancing with the others

[ISskateboarding]

I WANT TO LEARN TO SWING DANCE LIKE THEM!!!!

[batgirlanightwing009]

TO MUCH COFFIE

[theskullkid72]

dayuum. craziest form of dance. mad props.

[seamonkeycity]

Was this all improv dancing? OMFG, if it was, how the hell did they do it so that their partner knew what step would be next?!

[celticbelle]

@seamonkeycity Yes, lindy is first and foremost an improvised dance. Knowing "what to do next" is a twofold thing. First, as a person learns the dance and learns different moves and variations to incorporate, he/she becomes familiar enough with the dance to break it down and come up with new and different moves, and ways of putting them together. Second...

[celticbelle]

@seamonkeycity Secondly, learning how to lead and how to follow is huge. If you are a lead, it is knowing how to communicate physically to your partner what you want her to do. This is often very subtle and unnoticeable to those who are watching. If you are a follow, then it is knowing how to read and respond to what your lead is "telling" you what to do. So much of it is practice, and also dancing with as many different people as you can, b/c everyone has a different style.

[Chocobrody]

how she keep her glasses on??

[Doublecard]

now that's how u burn calories

[Bullrider300]

1:16 LEAPFROG

[Bullrider300]

0:56 Unnatural....

[MrTriger357]

HOLY........................  O-o

[ChopsticksLoveMe]

Todd is my favorite. I think that guy was just born a hepcat. :D

[saminnyc]

which couple won the showdown?

[broadway3001]

That was edited that looks soo unnatural

[lindyhop411]

@broadway3001 It's authentic. The song being danced to is called "White Heat" originally recorded by Jimmie Luncefored. You can listen to the tempo of that song if you don't believe this video is normal speed.  You can also check out my other video from other years at the same event, where the tempo was actually FASTER.

Also, you should look up the swing dance scene from "Hellzapoppin" a film from 1941, which is what this competition aims to recreate. It's about 300 beats per minute.

[kacarmon]

@broadway3001 lol, yeah right, look at the crowd, the band, no breaks in the video, their SHADOWS, and how they constantly interact with the environment. Are you suggesting someone got a whole large group of people to stand in around an empty dance floor to clap then did a hollywood-level CGI job for a 7 minute youtube video?

[WBuffettJr]

@broadway3001 The moon landing was fake too.

[drandydds]

@broadway3001 obviously you never seen a live swing dance competition. Fast Lindy is very fast. Nothing is sped up on this.

[ngonsainti]

@broadway3001 Are you crazy ? You obviously have never stepped on a dance floor and are jealous. These dancers are honoring the dance. They are enjoying it so much.

[MsElie94]

This is the best vid I love these couples!!!

[MrBlaque2U]

Man, these kids are killin' it!

[CarlBewley]

So this is what Vernon Kay gets up to when not hosting familiy fortunes.....

[1318991]

This is awesome

[tenryuu]

This is dancing.

[irishpenguin64]

Thanks so much do the help lindyhop411!

[Yuna7715]

THERE SOOOOOOOOO FUCKIN GOOOD I WOULD BE LUCKY IF I COULD BE 1/6 as great as them!!!! there amazing!!!!!!!!

[irishpenguin64]

Any idea on the song? Any others like it? I like this fast paced stuff. Nothin like the rush of swing

[lindyhop411]

@irishpenguin64 The song is "White Heat" originally recorded by Jimmie Lunceford. Lunceford is a good place to start with fast swing music. Also, Count Basie.

Go to swingdjs (dot) com to talk about swing music.

[irishpenguin64]

Hey lindyhop411! You seem to know alot about local spots. Got any place for a 16 year old to hop in around the Detroit/grosse pointe area? There's a group at my school( I'm in it) where we learn some swing choreography( it's always fast) so I fell in love and can't think of any place to go to really get in

[lindyhop411]

@irishpenguin64 Everything is posted on swingdetroit (dot) com

I hope that helps!

[TheLittleOneGirl]

kak je kulsko

[NaughtyTeacup]

I think the best part about this, besides the absolutely amazing dancing, is that people look like they're having so much fun doing it.

[Woahiloveyou420]

did anyone else burst into laughter at 0:21?

[gathersteel]

This is what happens when there is a girl, a boy and 10 redbulls :)

[rightwingkid92]

I wish my high school prom was like this...but alas...kids just wanted to have sex on the dance floor... :(

[ngonsainti]

@rightwingkid92 uH ? (they don't know how dancing feels so good then).

[cindysawesome]

Ok now i really want to try swing dancing!

[briggitte18]

awsome

[ellococrazy12]

i wanna learn how to dance this i have always liked this.. growing up in california i use to go the pachuco dance contest... "zoot suit type deal... good stuff i liked it alot

[MillerMan8228]

theres a version of this same video with a techno or electro song im trying to find any help

[MillerMan8228]

anyone know the version of this video with the techno/trance song or whatever it is?

[FantageGirl1000]

Lol my music teacher made my class watch this.

[peasncarrots92]

holy shit this was amazing! was this choreographed?

[DrxLuis]

The second couple is so sick, all are good, but come one, they killed it!!

[Yharsly10shay10]

I´m learning dance swing and i´m like much

[Yharsly10shay10]

I´m learning dance swing and i´m like much

[Yharsly10shay10]

I am learning to dance swing and I am charmed with it

[Monkey69Boii]

Long live SWING!!!!

[flyyspit]

Why do women that swing dance seem sexier than salsa, ballroom or hip hop whore grinding or anything else where they have to be half naked..

Class and sex appeal might be it..

[ngonsainti]

@flyyspit Because they are natural and GOOD dancers. You can't fake it here...

[TheRebelCrud]

OK So I thought this one guy I have a thing for was mainly athletic and sporty, then he showed me his paintings. And he's taking me swing dancing! This looks so difficult, but super awesome. Wish me luck lol.

[LongLiveLink3]

Men at their finest <3

[IcedBird4]

that is sick they can create something new go to so you think you can dance

[yummyelves777]

I think I'd give pretty much anything to be able to dance like that.

[caladabolg2nd]

i dont know about everyone else but it seems to me as i get older peoples ability to clap in time gets worse

[CerebralPrince10]

I'm 18 and just now getting into Lindy Hop, but damn I wish I came across this when I was younger. The rhythm, agility, coordination, and overall social fun demonstrated here definitely resonates with me

[leastshrew]

Why isn't everyone out doing this???? I swing danced my way through high school and had an absolute blast!! Kids today have no MOVES!! If I'd known about the lindy hop back then I'd have been totally on it!!

[lin2k4]

Looks like those upper-class aristocratic types know how to have fun! I always felt street dance looked better but this is pretty cool too

[lindyhop411]

@lin2k4 Lindy Hop IS a Street Dance. It was created in Harlem in the 20s and 30s.

[DaniloAugust0]

These guys are crazy as hell

[CPereiraa]

WOW!

[InfamoussRawraa]

Now THIS is dancing!

[joker4more]

THIS IS DANCING!!!!



[Notengonombre2121]

how amazing..loved it!

[Notengonombre2121]

fucking amazing !

[theawsomechanneldude]

Does anyone know where a 12 year old can begin to learn swing in ottawa?

[lindyhop411]

@theawsomechanneldude Look up "Swing Dynamite" :-)

[OneMistaMark]

@theawsomechanneldude What state? Ottawa, Michigan?

[siemelonoranksenamun]

i i was jealous i would jealous of this

[inwonderwoman]

Absolutely fan-tas-tic!!!!! I pulled a cramp on my face from smiling so hard!!!!

Thank you :)

[Mary3ist]

At my school all grades have a dance unit but for seventh graders its swing dancing and i really wished my bf was in my class : /

[lindyhop411]

@Mary3ist Are you guys learning Lindy Hop?

[apollyon1]

SICK! SICK! FUCKING SICK! OMG!  I'm going to learn how to do this - half the moves were straight out of jujitsu anyway :P

[ittou5]

I think I must have watched this vid like 74 times since 2006, and every time I watch it I get still excited like crazy. Wish I had been there!

[XxKontraxX]

oh my gawd soooo JEALOUS :3

[gfunk49]

my feet hurt looking at this

[Harrodisnice]

that was so much fun to watch that's 1 of the best dances to do.

[daiuitassss]

OOOOwww!!! I LOVE SWING!!! But here where i live, there ir no place where someone teach this dance! I would love to lear!!!!

By the way, im from Argentina, here its all abuot tango! :S

[mooooooooimacow]

nice job band!

[mooooooooimacow]

that was bloody BRILLANT! all dancing should be as fast paced and exciting as this! can you PLEASE dance for me for my assessment?!

[TwilightZonesama]

I think the best part is how much fun the dancers look like they're having.

[Zeanu]

BRINGS TEARS MY EYES, seriously it DOES, So. BEAUTIFUL! The dance of joy, the dance of freedom, the dance of life!

[PrestigeSeattle]

I'm glad Nick and Ria won first place. I definitely thought they were the most skilled while watching it.

[thehoundz1]

the most fun people on the planet!  Love it!......

[SugarAddict24]

its awesome how they dont fake smile...they dont have to! they actually ARE having fun :D

[jessicamitchell7677]

So Much FUN!!

[elenore88]

i love this

[blasphemy108]

they seem like nerds but man can they bring they house down!!!

[Theeriuth]

2:47 you think that guys getting some later? lol

[LadyTammyA]

I just showed this to my 11 year old son. He was talking about adding dance to some of his parkour stunts, and I mentioned "swing dancing" to him. I then found this video to show him what I meant. He now wants me to find him a class! He loved it and so did I! Thanks for sharing it!!

[lindyhop411]

@LadyTammyA Make sure you find a teacher to teach him "Lindy Hop" and not just swing. :-)

[xtarn1]

@lindyhop411 whats the differense?

[lindyhop411]

@xtarn1 There's more than one kind of swing dancing. If you go to a dance studio, odds are you are just going to learn East Coast Swing. The dancing in this video is Lindy Hop, not East Coast Swing. :-)

[kathleenbensimon]

I want to learn Lindy Hop!!!!

[Sibly73]

AMAZING AND DANGEROUS

[Exilatus]

Seriously, Max and Alice are just awesome !

[afrnos]

@Exilatus 100% agree. They were my favorites