Rhythm Practice for Lindy Hop & Swing Dance - 6 & 8 Count

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Best Swing Channel, you win the Internet for the day(!) A big revelation of swing dancing to me when I took the first couple lessons is that the lead does not move much, at least at first. I was taking too big steps, in general, especially the rock step. The other thing was a relaxed arm/hand in closed position. Takes a while to mellow out with the rhythm of the music. Embrace the Rhythm. Also, I had the impression that 6 count was what it was all about. Then I learned you mix 6 count with 8 count. Right now, it remains a mystery how the lead directs the follower to change up to whatever the lead is thinking of, next. Unless you just practice a repeatable routine, but that is not what Swing is about, in social dancing.

[@LauraGlaess]

It's totally mysterious at first, but don't worry - the mixing makes sense after a while.

[@CloudSturgeon]

Recently attended my first social swing event and was hooked-- now I am practicing solo so I can show up better prepared for next time. Your explanations are clear and as a beginner I find it super helpful to watch your steps as I follow along. Thank you so much for your hard work!!

[@1drhermandc]

THANK YOU!!! This is the only way i know of to learn how to dance. THANK YOU!!!

[@gregdionne2137]

I love this drill. Once you speed it up, I started doing a swingout for the 8 count and a pass by for the six count. I was having trouble with my footwork in class this was a big help. I was also doing Laura's footwork being a lead because I was told that it helps to know both. Thank you Laura and Brook

[@LauraGlaess]

I'm so happy it was helpful! Keep up the good work!

[@emhatrudreamer]

This is so much fun, and definitely a bit of a workout if you really get bouncing! I noticed how you guys kind of keep your knees bent, so I tried that... and whew!!! It's like doing small lunges the whole time! Best part though is my boyfriend, who has just generally been an embarrassingly "bad dancer" for the duration of our relationship (lol), is (finally) actually getting it now... and dancing with me!!! I'm so proud of him. If HE can learn from you guys, ANYONE can. Haha. This has been our third time through this video, today, and we're having a blast! Thanks, guys!

[@LauraGlaess]

This is WONDERFUL news!! Thank you so much! And yes, like little lunges all night long. Our legs will last forever :P

[@colinsimpson6624]

Great, thank you ,very uncluttered production, easy to focus on the core purpose

[@kayleejsunshine]

I’m so glad I found you! It’s always more fun to follow along than try to remember and do it yourself. (And not sure if you’ve got it) this is great.

[@1MarmadukeFan]

Could you explain what the mental count should be to get the number? I understood the count for the 6 count but I couldn’t figure out why the 8 count was called an 8 count when I tried to count the beats.

[@kristinamola3519]

rock step is 1, 2 triple step is 3 &4 then two quick steps are 5,6 and it ends with another triple which are counts 7 &8... 1,2 3&4, 5,6 7&8

[@1MarmadukeFan]

@@kristinamola3519 Thank you!

[@mrspanchavilla]

I could never do these steps before, but I got 'em now!! Thanks so much this class really helped! I just joined your Patreon.

[@LauraGlaess]

That is so gratifying! Thank you!

[@slongf15]

Love what you do, Laura. Keep up the good work!

[@gergokeresztes]

Such a lovely video - its a lindy version of the meditation videos out there

[@LauraGlaess]

Yeah, I totally see that.

[@davidalen2590]

Great these basic fundamental elements. Thank you for sharing!

[@stanley8869]

Thank you! This is so helpful, especially the difference between 6 and 8 beat steps. I will keep practicising.

[@systemforensics]

Wonderful episode! Thank You!

[@Yoork20]

That's what I was looking for, as a beginner! Thanks a lot!

[@jefsut]

Always nice to get back to the basics no matter what your skill level! Thanks guys!

[@beakeeper5243]

Would love to be able to clearly hear the sound of your steps over the music. It always helps me grasp the "beat" a little better 😂 love your videos, thanks for all your work!

[@ruthhassell1135]

I love your videos, thank you for doing them … I am new to Lindy Hop, I have been researching & And I am having my first proper class tomorrow so wish me luck that I can get the steps right … I am 65 & love to dance, I am more use to freestyle dancing to up tempo 60’s American soul music, so I hope I can get this together with my feet & the timing … X

[@LauraGlaess]

Good luck! I hope the class went well and you have a beautiful group of dance friends

[@carolannemills]

How do you know when you are supposed to dance the 6 count vs the 8 count rhythm?

[@LauraGlaess]

This is a great question! To oversimplify things - as a follow, the lead communicates which one to do when (and it might be a totally different rhythm all together). As a lead, you get to choose whichever rhythm suits the move you are doing. Here's a video I made about it. It doesn't answer all the questions, but hopefully it gives you a starting point! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJjMpo2Gg7mHmdU

[@kayleejsunshine]

Well! I did considerably better today than my first try, let me tell you that much! Still tripping up over the 8 count, but once I relax and feel the groove for that “step step” between the triple step, it comes more naturally. Thanks again for making these follow along videos.

[@lennydoyle7382]

Great practice.

[@tecoberg]

Nice practice

[@MagufoBoy]

this drill is awesome!

[@gerda2911]

Thank you! So great ❤

[@calebraysilcott9471]

I’m having a really hard time counting what it feels to be triplets steps in those 8 counts? Do you have any other videos that give the count or a break down of that step? Fun video!

[@eviek3809]

Exactly what I needed. Thank you! \

[@Jonny_PM]

passing on to a friend!

[@kibudude]

How do I switch between 6 and 8 count? How does the follower know when I do switch?

[@LauraGlaess]

Honestly, there are a bunch of cues that kind of go together to give you an idea. I made a video on it, if it's helpful, but honestly, just keep dancing and you'll get it. Pick a rhythm, don't second guess yourself, and switch at the end if you need to. You'll get better at it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJjMpo2Gg7mHmdUsi=vqvupaTf4ruCmqjS

[@kibudude]

@@LauraGlaess wow, I'm a newbie, I get it now, thanks so very much!

[@zumbamuse]

Hi! Great video! Can I ask what type of shoe you are wearing?

[@LauraGlaess]

Thanks! These are www.slideandswing.es/en/ The exact model isn't available anymore, but I have other shoes of theirs and they are nice to dance in.

[@Franz80]

Según vi en un video, este estilo es "bounce" el cuál no está recomendado para el swing o Lindy porque el balanceo es más una técnica para enseñar.

[@LauraGlaess]

We have a differing opinion on this, but that's ok! Lindy Hop is a big tent with lots of room for different opinions. This is what works for me when I do Lindy Hop, and that's why I'm teaching this way.

[@IsaacOLEG]

You are reassuring ;) I thought you where obliged to do a 6 steps count alml the time (meaning you need to count 4 times 6 if you want to go to the end of the musical phrase is not it ? ) Great demonstration anyway, even me I think I did get it (but as a musician it troubles me to count 65 on a 4/4 bar !)

[@LauraGlaess]

Ha! Yeah, that threw me off at first, too. Maybe you can think of it as something like a hemiola? I don't know if this is the proper usage of the term -- to my understanding, it's a classical music term that has been applied to jazz. But it's really common in jazz. Doing 3/4 over a 4/4 to build tension. Really beautiful stuff.

[@james_subosits]

@@LauraGlaess I think you have kind of the right idea. If you wanna get super nerdy with it, it's a polymeter (multiple time signatures at once)

[@faunheartist6680]

Yaaaasss!!

[@te6329]

Thanks! Made on 0.5 speed yet)

[@LauraGlaess]

Nice! Put in that work!

[@MiltRodgers]

6 count rhythm. So the song is in 6/4 time? Confusing. Or is it 2/4 with triplets on each of the beats?

[@LauraGlaess]

It's just a regular common time, 4/4 song. This footwork is 6 beats long, so it bleeds over the barline

[@eugenevoltage1654]

Wow I feel like I have absolutely no hope haha. My brain can't even count the difference between the 6 and 8 count. It's like I'm watching the same footage twice. I tried counting 6 beats from followers first step back at 00:14 but the 6th step seems in a random place. I've danced ModernJive for years but there is zero talk of count or footwork, this is a whole other world... Great though...

[@LauraGlaess]

Hmm.. have you tried saying "step step triple step triple step" Instead of 1 2 3&4 5&6? Saying the steps might be helpful. To me, it doesn't really matter if you can count it -- it's helpful down the line, but it doesn't matter at first. The only thing you need is to feel confident in the two basic rhythms. Use whatever mnemonic device suits you. Scatting is also great (though it doesn't translate well by text ;) )

[@eugenevoltage1654]

@@LauraGlaess great thank you. I did practice again today and it was easier.

[@AlphaHydrae]

What is the song called? I looked through all of Brooks Prumo Orchestra's songs and couldn't find it :/

[@LauraGlaess]

That is Lounging at the Sahara by the Jon Doyle Swingtet. So beautiful, right? You can get it here on his Too Hot for Socks album. jonathandoyle.bandcamp.com/album/too-hot-for-socks

[@LauraGlaess]

I didn't realize the music info was incorrect on this video! I'll update it.

[@DannyCuadrado]

I’m a PE teacher and about to teach my students how to dance! I’m wondering…does the beat the rock step is on change every measure of music (since it’s a 6 count dance to a 4/4 song)?

[@LauraGlaess]

@@DannyCuadrado Great question! It does change every measure.

[@nocturnalmusiclover1530]

❤

[@austenhead5303]

Ngl, I had to slow it down to half speed to pick up the steps in the beginning there, heh.

[@LauraGlaess]

But you did it!!

[@rogerg4916]

Counting should be done to show what number corresponds to each step.

[@LauraGlaess]

The number of the step or the number of the music? I know counting can be kind of a contentious subject, but I think counts are helpful. I also think not needing them is helpful.

[@rogerg4916]

@@LauraGlaess The count number of the step. I think you could improve the video if you just add an audio dub to where you are demonstrating the steps just counting out the steps so that beginners can see how the count relates to the step.

[@bobo3292]

why is he so flat footed? She uses the balls of her foot. Looks great.

[@clairegonnella6149]

He's got no heel, she has. So it's more obvious that she's on her toes although he is too. I think they both look great 👍