If it helps you can separate them as East Coast vs. West Coast swing. But East Coast is usually just called swing because it came first.
Replies
Also, in case you're ever around this crowd; swing dancers don't usual consider ECS a "real" swing dance. It's like the splenda of the swing world and typically done along with Jive by "Ballroom Dancers". It (rightly) gets some derision.
aug 28, 2025, 12:48 pm • 2 0 • view
Not quite. WCS has origins in Tommy Two Step and "Hollywood" swing. East Coast Swing used to be called Jitterbug, is the basis of 90's NeoSwing, and was created by Arthur Murray to 'de-black' Lindy Hop for White people (true story). WCS arguably pre-dates ECS
aug 28, 2025, 12:24 pm • 2 0 • view
It used to be taught to help "hook" new dancers, but we'd just have to end up breaking all the ECS habits to get them dancing Lindy Hop. Timing, rhythm, intent, movements, all kinda run "counter" to what the other swing dances do.
aug 28, 2025, 12:50 pm • 2 0 • view