How To Do the Groucho Swing Dance Move

The “swing dance” emerged in America the way jazz did, from African Americans in between the Civil War and the turn of the 20th century. During the early days of jazz in Harlem, the swing was danced in the halls and clubs of Manhattan. Swing dance is a general term that covers different dance routines that have evolved through the years into different variations, the most popular of which is the “Lindy hop,” a dance step popularized by Shortie George and Frankie Manning. The Groucho was named by Manning, in honor of Groucho Marx and his chicken-like walk.

In the 1920s and the 1930s, dancers tried and competed in various dance contests all across the U.S. By the 1950s, you could find people of different colors and classes dancing in Harlem, which was where the swing dance, and eventually, Lindy Hop was born. This dance evolved from the popular dance at that time, the Charleston.

In other places, this groucho move is not named as such, but due to its distinctive shifts, dancers easily recognize the steps. And even if it is based on the “Lindy hop”, the groucho move is slightly different from the basic step or side pass moves. The groucho is based on the eight-beat (step-step-rock-step-step) step and it always starts in the closed position.

In the forward groucho, as the couple prepares to dance, the woman’s left hand is on the man’s left shoulder while the man’s hand is by the middle of the woman’s back near the left shoulder blade. They then start with a rock step (step-hold-step) and then the man moves the woman in front to face him as they triple step twice. The man then makes two steps forward as the woman makes two steps backward. Then the man steps forward as the woman stays put and then both he and she do a triple step.

The reverse groucho also starts in the closed position with the man’s hand on the woman’s back and the woman’s hand on his shoulder. As with the forward groucho, the couple starts with a rock step and then two triple steps while the man moves the woman to face him. The man then makes 2 steps backwards and the woman makes two steps forward. Then, the man does a triple step in place while pulling the woman back into the closed position as she triple steps along with him.

You can do many other variations like making an inner spin or an outer spin that can be done together at the same time or one partner can do it alone. This added variation is usually made at the count of 5 and 6 (in place of making 2 steps), and getting back into closed position afterwards.

The swing dance is supposed to be a smooth and relaxing type of dance. There is no mystery in this dance or drama, only pure enjoyment and fun. Try dancing it with a good partner and you’ll be swinging away in no time.

Source: Tematco.com