How to Perform a Charleston Swing Dance Move

One of the most popular and old school moves in the swing dance genre is the Charleston, as it harkens back to the very early Lindy Hop style. Even though swing dance has evolved to incorporate more advanced and modern dance moves, the Charleston lays a good foundation for other, more complicated swing dance moves.

1. Stand up straight your feet about shoulder width apart in preparation for beginning the Charleston.


2. Lean forward slightly at the waist. This should look/feel similar to a relaxed skiing position. Listen to the music closely so that you know when each of the beats, most importantly beat one, falls.


3. Step back with your right foot on beat one.


4. Step back with your left foot on beat two to bring your feet together. 


5. Kick out to the side with your left foot on beat three. This is a fairly subtle and not overt motion from the knee, not the entire leg. Imagine as though you were flicking a small object from your shoe.


6. Return your left foot back beside your right foot on beat four. At this point you should be standing in the same slightly bent position as step two with your body weight distributed evenly between both feet.


7. Kick out to the side with your right foot on beat five mimicking the action on step five.


8. Lift your right foot from the ground while keeping your knee bent on beat six. The knee should not be lifted too high.


9. Kick back and to the side slightly with your right foot on beat seven. Be mindful of your dance partner who will be standing behind you following the same motion.


10. Return your right foot back beside your left foot on beat eight. This will return you to the same position as step two. 


11. Repeat steps three through 10 as desired.