Customer Reviews

Swing [VHS]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The content of this dance instruction tape was far more advanced than the words on the box would indicate. They assume previous knowledge of the basic swing steps and jump right into some complex moves. If you know the basics and have practiced a while, you might find this tape worthwhile, but beginners should choose a different tape.

Whenever anyone says, "THE Swing", run for the hills! This tape perfectly captures the way the commercial ballroom studios have ruined this African-American dance. The lilting "Cuban hips" on the guy look laughably effeminate. The dancers repeat a variety of affected gestures---the woman's arm slide across her abdomen, the arms suspended in the air. The horror is that you actually see people at clubs dancing this way, who poured good money into these studios. To really learn the Swing dance that was created by thousands of people in Harlem in the 20s-40s, get the videos by Frankie Manning or Steven Mitchell.

This video is very professionally done with expert narration and award-winning dancers. I would not call it a beginners instruction, though. If you are somewhat experienced, and like faster, more energy filled dancing, this is a good choice. There are five swing "routines" which are taught, and a way to link them together. 30 minutes. More expensive, and shorter than other videos, and a lower rating because of that.

If you have NEVER set foot in a dance studio, you might enjoy this video. Anyone with as few as 2 lessons would feel, as I do, that it was a waste of money.

This tape didn't meet my needs. It assumed the student understood the basic Lindy and Jitterbug steps used and didn't take enough time to discribe or adequately show how to perform the routines they used. Definely for the more advanced swing student in Lindy and jitterbug.