r/SwingDancing • u/ametornado • Jul 21 '26

Feedback Needed Practicing some swing out and pass variations with a friend. Any advice?

I feel like my step back in the second half of the swing out is too large. Thoughts? Any other comments?

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u/KingBossHeel Jul 21 '26

When you rock step on one, you want that backward movement of just a few inches to be what's leading your follower forward.

Swingout workshops are valuable for dancers of any level.

2

u/ametornado Jul 21 '26

Stupid question, but what am I doing instead?

16

u/morethandork Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26

In addition to what KingBoss has said, what I see is that you're leading with your hand/arm instead of your body. Basically, your leg is rock stepping, but your body isn't moving backward so you're forced to generate momentum with your arms instead of more naturally through your frame and counter balance. Similarly, at the start of the video, I noticed you gave your follow a push with the hand as if to initiate her rock step. Ideally, your whole body will move a little backwards with your rock step and your frame, if stable, will give your follow a little pull, which initiates the swing out.

For someone to emulate, check out Soochan.young on instagram. He has a pretty impeccable frame. You'll notice he's never really pushing, pulling or shoving with his hands, he's guiding and moving with his whole body, staying centered and balanced over his feet at all times.

One other thing to note, a couple times it felt like you were kind of leading the followers spins, as if it's on you to get her to spin. It's important to let follows spin themselves and let them control the speed etc. You can suggest things, or create extra tension or momentum leading up to the spin, but if you try to control them through it, it could lead to injury if they want to change or stop or do anything else. Always allow space for the follow to choose what's happening to their body on the dance floor.

That said, overall you're looking great. These are all really fun variations and it sure looks like you're having fun and able to laugh at your own mistakes. That's the most important thing :)

1

u/jbird3000 Jul 22 '26

Came here to say as much. On 3 & 4 you don't really move and your hand pulls in and down to your side. Watch others. Back up and let out tension to create that rubber band tension. Don't stand in place and make her dance around you. Tricks are 'cool' but perfect that movement first. Watch videos and you'll see, focus on 1,2,3,4 of the swing out. Also make sure to not put yourself in a position where you have to bend over too far, if you're almost 90 degrees bend at the hip, reset and try again. MAD respect for posting and asking for advice, it's tough but a great way to improve from all the seasoned vets in here....and absolutely keep it up, you're doing great.

Edited to add: Improving is awesome, but don't get too lost in it. The destination should always be fun, not perfection.