5 Things to Make Your Swing Out Better (Follow Edition) - for Lindy Hop and Swing Dance

[@tomortale2333]

My mom n dad would work all day,,,go out n dance all nite,,,often till sun rise..[50"s] my father always said ''those who dance...have the most fun'' on his grave site reads ''the man who loved to dance''

[@LauraGlaess]

That's so beautiful. It sounds like you have a wonderful family.

[@DeborahLunato]

@@LauraGlaess that’s sweet!

[@kathrynkessler7336]

The part about moving in a straight line and not going around your lead is hands down my worst habit, and this video gives me a lot to consider. Thank you so much for doing these videos.

[@LauraGlaess]

It's so hard - they are RIGHT IN YOUR WAY! I get it. Think about the momentum more than avoiding them

[@karenkhaykin4972]

Having this issue rn!!

[@leighanderson3708]

The square shoulders point makes so much sense. If the other parts of a swingout are falling into place then shoulders should naturally follow suit. I have found myself focusing so much on my shoulders that I end up tense in the upper body, which creates a whole host of other issues. Awesome video, thanks!

[@LauraGlaess]

I'm happy it helped!

[@uko39]

Yes yes YES to the words, “you’re a dancer, before you’re a follower”.

[@JottoHearthStone]

Really like how you go through things point by point, really easy to listen to :)

[@walthoc]

Laura, I came upon your instruction videos looking for vernacular jazz steps. I’ve been dancing many years yet watching your vids on swing outs etc. is great feedback on the fundamentals. Showing the side by side screens help dancers understand the reasons why details are important. Along with your excellent explanations. In all your videos put a big smile on my face, reminding us why we love to dance. That same kind of smile that Frankie had after decades of dancing. Well done. See you on the dance floor! Best wishes!

[@LauraGlaess]

So kind. Thank you very, very much.

[@evenhao823]

The best swing class online!!!!

[@TheNycpearl]

I've been dancing over 10 years and I learned a number of things from this video that I need to try with my partner! Maintaining rhythm, consistent steps and rhythm are all things that I could refine. Thank you.

[@moonape1226]

Best swing out tutorial everrrrr

[@25tubsy25]

This was so helpful! Thorough and clear

[@hsasha9232]

Thanks for sharing these tips. I’m new learner and this really helps

[@ShuraAstaroth]

I was looking for a video like this, and I knew you would hit the nail on the head. I'm still struggling with the swivels, but I will practice with the advice you have given🥰🥰.

[@LauraGlaess]

Oh, swivels are so hard. I get it. I have two other videos on just swiveling if you want to get crazy ;)

[@ShuraAstaroth]

@@LauraGlaess Oh! Wonderful, I'll check them out! Thank you! 🥰

[@mackenziesumrall8213]

I REALLY appreciate your side by sides. THANK YOU.

[@LauraGlaess]

Thank YOU! I'm really trying to make things easy to see.

[@MalmoMalin]

Absolutely perfect! Thank you!

[@AllyGale]

Thank you SO much for this video! I've been struggling with momentum and you broke down the main issues so so well! Thanks Laura!!

[@LauraGlaess]

I get you. Momentum is hard.

[@davidgrybaitis]

Good .. I'm getting it.. N loving it too.

[@PeppermintTaste]

So illuminating as always. I knew I was a recovering 2A, but now I'm definitely gonna check myself for 2C tendencies. :) Especially appreciate the advice about what is and is not the follower's "job," that can be so tricky to identify.

[@gregorywong3049]

You come across as a very pleasant person in your videos. I could tell you enjoy the dance internally and not because you want people to see how good you are. If I were in your area, I would definitely take classes from your school.

[@LauraGlaess]

Oh thank you! Dancing had been one of the most important forces in my life. Can't wait until the pandemic is over so there CAN be local classes.

[@gregorywong3049]

I think all dance communities are feeling it. I miss my dances a lot too. Btw are those hand motions from debate club?

[@LauraGlaess]

@@gregorywong3049 ha! Man, I think the hand motions are from my mom. But I like the idea that I was good at debate club.

[@giorgiaciavatti9348]

So useful! Thank you ❤️

[@sofiasanchez8079]

I've been needing this video for months 😭💖

[@KatieCobalt]

This is an amazing resource Laura, thank you for putting it together!

[@carolynnturner2812]

This video was so helpful! Thank you!

[@GailIngis]

You are great, thanks!!!

[@beatricemallia4106]

Thank you very much for these tips! 😍🙏

[@markesposito162]

What is the tune that plays at the beginning? It's really nice!!

[@LauraGlaess]

Hey thanks! It's the Brooks Prumo Orchestra's version of Six Cats and. Prince.

[@dougnoel1]

I loved the part about shoulders. I am always trying to square up in both roles and it never feels natural.

[@LauraGlaess]

I'm glad! Yeah, I see that a lot, and I get questions about being square to your partner a lot in class, so I definitely wanted to talk about it.

[@33Jenesis]

Came across your video while researching on lindy following. I took classes 20 years ago for a few months. Recently I decided to restart swing dancing. I watched lindy dancers at party and wondered what was my issue besides being rusty on even the basic steps. Your mistake demos I did them all. I just saved thus video for repeat viewing before I commit the wrong moves deep into muscle memory.

[@LauraGlaess]

So happy to be helpful. Thank you

[@ann_fm]

Thank you!💛

[@laurab9928]

Laura...you're amazing ♡

[@LauraGlaess]

Thank you! Trying to give you some good stuff.

[@klaudiaczarska2245]

This is just sooooo good!

[@ReinaldoGinicolo-ew5cx]

FormidáveL !!!

[@lautrenous]

So good, as ever !!

[@rosa8]

Wow! Love this! Thank you for sharing! :) xoxoxo

[@oceania1971]

Laura, where can I find your shoes to purchase? Love them!

[@LauraGlaess]

I'm glad you like them! I get them from a bunch of different places. These are Slide and Swing. They are a great brand out of Barcelona: www.slideandswing.es/en/ I also just get shoes I really like / feel stable, and redo the bottoms. Shoes can take a bit of trial and error. Good luck!

[@odn7769]

Will come a Lead-Edition, too? :) Maybe Brooks can give input.

[@LauraGlaess]

We're on it and have already shot some of it ;)

[@odn7769]

@@LauraGlaess yesss

[@dougnoel1]

I'd love it if he talks about hand placement. I noticed his hand was on your hip and I have so many questions about the body mechanics, how it feels to you as a follow, and whether you think this is a better place to lead from in general or this is specific to the momentum of the swingout?

[@alanbishop6937]

I'd love to hear Brooks compare his basic swingout here to his lead in the recent "My Basic Swingout" video where he lets Laura own counts 1-2 to do her ideal "basic." I left a detailed comment there about Heidi Salerno's philosophy-- that lead and follow should both dance on 1&2 instead of pulling follow forward, which seems justified by Laura making entire video about follows using 1&2 for self expression. (Though follows need to remain flexible--in S.F., many follows seem to learn from a particular teacher that they should defiantly anchor themselves with a rock step backwards on one. Almost as aggravating as running forward...)

[@jrr1078]

What dance sneakers do you like? Or do you buy normal tennis and add some suede to the bottoms? I'm not a professional.

[@LauraGlaess]

I typically just get normal sneakers and suede the bottoms. I like the style of a regular shoe. I came out with a video on how to suede shoes as well, if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3jXgJKLmJV_i5Y

[@VitoriaGomes-vd7hv]

❤

[@marioavila1235]

I feel like the leader should be the pivot point , In the first example ( The best swing out ) the leader seems to be switching places vs actually inviting the follower in 2 move past him, & then back out like the term "Swing Out implies . she looks good, Yet I always like when the follower swivels with her legs /feet closer together ....a wide stance , swiveling with your legs open and your feet wide apart never seems as smooth 2 me. ...I know just my thoughts & opinion . Not that important . they look cute together .

[@LauraGlaess]

Totally! And I wish I had been more specific that there are so many other ways of doing this. The lead maintaining the middle - maybe more of a Dean Collins style? Is SUPER fun. I love that feeling. It's not a siwng out that Brooks and I do together a lot, but it's always a joy to be a part of when it happens. I also feel like it can feel really good with a more narrow legged swivel, but my preference has always been wide legs :P Nina Gilkenson ROCKS narrow legged swivels. If you're looking for an amazing example, check that lade out!

[@icooper5236]

As a lead I now give my follow time to swivel instead of pulling them in like an exocet missile and it looks and feels sexy

[@CT1010101]

I can't see the irregular rhythm. I think this means I'm the problem. 😳

[@LauraGlaess]

Lol - just keep dancing and thinking about rhythm. The more you search, the more you see.

[@arminbruno4225]

I did enjoy the content, but please use a microphone close to you, so your valuable remarks are not distorted by room reverberation.

[@LauraGlaess]

Yeah, I need to upgrade my mic situation. This video actually HAD mics! Check out older videos fire some REAL room reverb.

[@TinyLittleMaggie]

"... Now of course rules are made to be broken, and it's possible that you will do one of the things that I tell you not to do, but you will do it so well that you will blow my mind and I will instantly take it back, go for it! Lindy hop is beautiful, it is individual, and it is powerful, so don't let any of these tips prevent you from being yourself. Finding yourself and having fun with your partner on the dance floor is the most important thing!" Who's cutting onions? 🥲

[@emilywelsh5359]

This was so helpful! Thank you!!