Swing: The Most Popular Dance of the 1940s

While original forms of swing dance date back to the 1920s with the Charleston, swing was the most popular dance in the 1940s. Its energetic moves and throws were iconic scenes in old films like the 1943 classic “The Sky's the Limit” featuring Fred Astaire. These notoriously difficult moves were typically reserved for very talented dancers, but regular people from all over the world enjoyed tearing up the dance floor—and still do today! Some swing dance styles like Lindy Hop, Balboa and Collegiate Shag have stood the test of time and are still popular now.

Dance Styles

Arguably the most popular style of swing is the Lindy Hop, a dance with African American roots originating from Harlem, New York City. Lindy Hop was pioneered by many talented dancers at the famous Savoy Ballroom, but shortly after gaining popularity, a new way of dancers including Frankie Manning added their own style. It is characterized by an 8-count "swing out" and emphasizes the ability to improvise and adapt to include other steps in 8-count and 6-count rhythms. With gaining popularity came the need for a new style of swing that took up less space on a crowded dance floor. Balboa evolved in the conservative dance halls of southern California where space was limited and a strict code of conduct was enforced. Balboa, or “Bal,” is characterized by an 8-count closed position (partners standing chest to chest), an upright posture and very few spins and tricks. Today, Balboa is frequently danced to faster music, as the limited motions conserve energy. Other less popular styles include Collegiate Shag, an early form of swing originating in the Carolinas; East Coast Swing, a simplified version of Lindy Hop using only the 6-count moves; and West Coast Swing, a smoother version of Lindy Hop popularized by Hollywood movies.

Big Band

The big band dominated the jazz scene when swing was most popular, especially during World War II. This musical ensemble consisted of ten or more musicians playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm instruments such as double bass and piano. This style of music was perfect as an accompaniment for dancing because it relied on written compositions rather than the usual improvisations of jazz music. Bandleaders and arrangers ensured the music was consistent, making it easier for dancers to follow the rhythm. Some of the most prominent bandleaders defined the big band era with hits you may recognize:

1. Duke Ellington was a prodigious piano player inspired by ragtime pianists who led his jazz orchestra for over 50 years. He composed hundreds of songs including “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” featuring Ella Fitzgerald. Although he began his career just playing music for swing dancers, he is considered to be one of the most significant American composers of any genre.
2. Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing” was a virtuoso clarinetist and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. During a period of racial segregation in the United States, he led one of the first racially integrated bands. Arguably his biggest hit, “Sing, Sing Sing,” is still one of the most recognizable big band songs.
3. Glenn Miller started his career as an orchestra trombonist but went on to become one of the most famous big band leaders of his generation. As a creative composer, he wrote many hit songs like ”In the Mood.”
4. Count Basie was well known for his minimalistic piano style and composed many quintessential big band songs like “Jumpin’ at the Woodside.” His band still performs today!

Attending a Dance

Swing dancing was and still is a social dance, meaning dancers switch partners between songs. This is a great way to practice your moves, as there are varying levels of skills found on the dance floor. While dance cards were mostly retired by the time swing became popular, dancers would make an effort to meet as many people as possible. Since swing is a very athletic dance, dancers usually opt for comfort while still looking stylish. Both men and women typically wear shoes with leather soles, or at least a smooth sole, with little to no heel, or a medium heel with a thick base. The iconic swing dance look calls for large skirts for women and dress slacks with collared shirts for men. As with many things, today’s swing dancing looks entirely different than it did in the 1940s. Women are not expected to be “follows” and men are not always “leads.” There is a huge focus on ensuring dancers feel safe and comfortable and old dance moves are constantly refreshed. While swing dancing is still most popular in the United States, there are dancers all over the world, with large populations in Stockholm, Berlin, Tokyo, and more. The International Lindy Hop Championships bring dancers together every year to compete and learn from the best and most inspiring dancers. The 2016 documentary “Alive and Kicking” offers a great look into today’s community of swing dancers. No matter the dancer’s skill level or favorite style, swing dancing has been and continues to be one of America’s greatest past times.