East Coast Swing was developed by dance studios, including Arthur Murray Dance Centers in the 1940s, based on the Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop was considered by professionals to be both too difficult and unstructured for beginning dancers — but there was market demand for Swing dance. East Coast Swing is referred to by many different names in various international regions. It has alternatively been called the Jitterbug, Eastern Swing, American Swing, Lindy (different than Lindy Hop), Triple Swing, and East Coast Lindy.
Arthur Murray helped create East Coast Swing in the 1940s and it remains one of the most popular dances today. By the late 1940s, Lindy Hop was banned from virtually every serious dance hall due to too many injuries to self and others from kicks, jumps, etc. Therefore, the National Ballroom Associations searched for a simpler form of Hollywood style, created East Coast Swing, and added it to their program.
East Coast Swing offers effortless, carefree movement — one of those dances that becomes contagious. It’s a spot dance with a relaxed style, easily mastered by anyone. The varying tempos are excellent for quick footwork as well as pointed leading and following, adding confidence and ease in most other rhythm dances.
Arthur Murray Dance Center teaches East Coast Swing because it's an all-American, exhilarating dance and it helps introduce dancers to other varieties of Swing. East Coast Swing is a great dance for weddings, cruises, or live performances. This fun, exciting dance is often danced to pop music from every decade. There is always an event to learn to Swing for — swing by and ask one of our professionally trained dance instructors to show you the way.
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