This is probably the most important of all of the basic Step Patterns. If students really learn their Absolute Patterns, then they will have less trouble executing this one. If they don't learn their Absolute Patterns, then learning the Swing Out can turn into their worst nightmare. If students are having problems, then have them go back and review the Absolute Patterns.
In the beginning, students will probably say "it doesn't feel right." That may be true, but "it is right" and will start to feel right very quickly if they focus on their Absolute Patterns.
The Swing Out exhibits a rubber band effect on counts "3 & 4." That is, the follower travels in the slot, toward the man, on count "2." Then travels in the slot facing the leader on count "3." Then like a rubber band that has reached its maximum length on the "&" count, the follower starts changing direction of travel comming back toward the leader placing the Rt foot between the leaders feet on count "4." The follower then, on counts "5 6," makes a right turn (CW) and whips side then back away from the leader, in the slot, into the follower's Anchor on counts "7 & 8" in Open Position.
Pattern (Cards): Double, Triple, Double, Triple.
Swing Out Step Pattern: Demonstrate the step pattern.
Have students exercise the Absolute Patterns until it looks like they understand the them. Please be aware that the most critical part of this Step Pattern are counts [3 & 4][5 & 6]. It is highly recommended that all students practice both the leader's and follower's part.
Count: 1 2 3 & 4 5 & 6 7 & 8 [ X X] [ X X X] [ X X] [ X X X] L:Foot L R L R L R L R L R L:Dir B P S T s Hk B T T T L:F-Pos 4 4 2 1 2 4 1 1 1 L:Turn ....*> ....*> .....*> ...*> * = 1/4Rt (CW) F:Foot R L R L R L R L R L F:Dir P F Xf B f S B b T f F:F-Pos 1 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 F:Turn ....*> .....*> ......*> ...*>
Verbal: [1 2][3 & 4] [5 6] [7 & 8]
If necessary, the Dancers can completely stop on certain counts to make sure their Adjusted Pattern reflects what they learned in their Absolute Pattern.
Frame: Open Position - M: Lh Lead.
Practice to the previously defined pattern, but with a partner.
If the leader does not step far enough forward on Count "3," then it may result in a Follower's Count "3" Problem. In West Coast Swing, the Follower does most of the traveling on the dance floor. That is not true in Lindy Hop where the Leader and Follower both travel quite a bit, sharing space closure on the dance floor.
The most common problems occur during execution of counts "3 & 4." These problems may not be very noticible below 150 beats per minute, but will become critical at higher speeds. First, make sure that both shoulders and hips are parallel (facing each other) on count "3." A common error here is that the Follower had to take too large a step on count "2" preventing the Follower from having their hips also facing the Leader on count "3." You may see the Follower's shoulders parellel to the Leaders, but their hips at an angle away from the leader facing down slot.
The follower must step straight back in the slot on this count - such as doing a ball-change - ready to spring back into Count "4" which shall be a step directly between the Leaders feet. You will see many dancers who do not follow this rule, but you don't normally see the force conflicts that occur between those dancers when you are watching.
If the Swing Out is working correctly, it will flow very naturally without either dancer having to use force. If it is not working correctly, the Leader will feel they have to use force to make it happen. Also, the follower will feel they has to pull on the Leader to execute their part of the Step Pattern. If the Swing Out doesn't seem to feel right, then go back and practice the Absolute Patterns. Don't continue with a Swing Out that doesn't feel right or you will be creating problems that will be very difficult to correct at a later date. In fact, many dancers never correct Swing Out problems and just live with them using a lot of force to compensate for the problems - severely limiting their ability to dance at high speeds. I refer to this as a Chiropractic form of dancing or dancing between King Kong and a Mac Truck.