SWING DANCE

Swing Dance - This dance introduces beginning dancers to a fourth basic rhythm and presents a relaxed method of changing from forward to backward skating. It requires the man to learn to lead and the lady to follow while skating backward as well as forward.

While the dance diagram shows correct curvature of edges and lobes, such depth of curvature should not be expected from a skater at this level. It does, however, present a goal toward which the skater should aim.

It should be noted that Steps 1 to 8 and 16 to 23 are similar in pattern and character and are skated in closed position. These steps are skated both forward and backward by each partner to complete a pattern of the dance.

The hand-in-hand position as specified on the dance diagram for Steps 9 to 13 and 24–28 allows the skater traveling backward to step forward easily and to proceed in a relaxed manner, right hand in partner’s left. While both partners skate forward, a separation of at least 24 inches is desirable. These steps should be skated with soft knee action and the appearance of arms during this part of the dance is left to the discretion of the skaters. Closed position is resumed in time for Step 14 or 29.

Any type of forward inside uncrossed mohawk is permissible as long as the balance and control are good and the execution is pleasing to watch. Step 28 may be either an open stroke or a slide chassé.

MUSIC RHYTHM: Foxtrot 4/4 or Schottische 2/4
TEMPO: 24 four-beat measures per minute; 96 beats per minute
ISU MUSIC INTRODUCTION: 16 beats, 10 seconds
PATTERN-TIMING: 1 = :40; 2 = 1:20; 3 = 2:00; 4 = 2:40
DURATION: Test 2 = 1:20 Competition 2 = 1:20 Adult Competition 2 = 1:20
SKATER’S CHOICE TIMING: See Skater’s Choice Pattern Dance Timing Chart on usfgureskating.org under the “Technical Info” link
PATTERN: Set
TEST: Pre-bronze
INVENTOR: Hubert Sprott
FIRST PERFORMED: Broadmoor Ice Palace, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1948

SWING DANCE — SET PATTERN DANCE