There are several different versions of the swing, and inconsistency with how various sources label the terms. Most commonly, the same 6-beat cadence of the foxtrot is used with the swing. Within that cadence, the chart below distinguishes versions by the number of steps taken with each foot prior to the rock step. Note how the different footwork best suits the tempo of a song:

Version	Number of steps taken with each foot	Description of basic step	Most suitable music tempo
Single step	1 step prior to rock step	Step, step, rock step	Faster
Double step	2 steps prior to rock step	Toe-heel, toe-heel, rock step	Medium
Triple step	3 steps prior to rock step	Step-close-step, step-close-step, rock step	Slower

Still other versions of the basic step may be used, including an 8-beat cadence at times. Since the 6-beat cadence is easier and more traditional, that is the one described here (again, used by all three versions). The different footwork is described in more detail below (Items 1a-1c), along with additional moves or variations (Items 2-8). Items 1a & 1b, and 7 & 8 finish with the rock step, whereas all other items begin with the rock step to be consistent with the videos. NOTE: Descriptions of Items 2-8 are depicted with the single step, although the same variations may be done with any of the footwork versions.

The most frequent position used for dancing the swing is the open dance position, described as follows:

Dancers hold both hands at waist level, with the woman's hands on top
Dancers stand a comfortable forearm's distance away, with a little flex in the knees
Both dancers look straight ahead

Further overview is provided at the links noted for types of swing and history.

Types of swing

Swing history

Step / Move	Description *	Verbal Cues	Hints	Beats
1a) Basic step: Single step (Lindy)	Step in place w/ L ft (R for woman)	Step		1-2
	Step in place with R ft (R for woman)	Step		3-4
	Rock back on L ft, opening 1/8-turn L (woman on R ft opening R)	Rock	Open up 1/8-turn L (woman open R)	5
	Rock forw on R ft, closing again (woman on L ft closing)	Step		6
1b) Alternative basic step: Double step (2-Lindy)	Bend L knee and "point" L ball of foot into floor (R for woman) Accentuate L heel falling back to floor (R for woman)	Toe-heel		1-2
	Bend R knee and "point" R ball of foot into floor (L for woman) Accentuate R heel falling back to floor (L for woman)	Toe-heel		3-4
	Rock back on L ft (woman on R)	Rock	Open up 1/8-turn L (woman open R)	5
	Rock forw on R ft, closing again (woman on L ft closing)	Step		6
1c) Alternative basic step: Triple step (3-Lindy)	Rock back on L ft, opening 1/8-turn L (woman on R ft opening R)	Rock	Open up 1/8-turn L (woman open R)	1
	Rock forw on R ft, closing again (woman on L ft closing)	Step		2
	Step in place w/ L ft (R for woman) Close next to L ft w/ R foot (L next to R for woman) Step w/ L ft (R for woman)	Step-close-step		3 & 4
	Step in place w/ R ft (L for woman) Close next to R ft w/ L ft (R next to L for woman) Step w/ R ft (L for woman)	Step-close-step		5 & 6
2) Ladie's outside turn	(Same as usual)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Raise woman's R arm with L hand (woman turn R on R ft) Push on woman's back with R hand (only if closed position)	Step		3-4
	Direct woman's R arm through turn (woman complete turn on L ft)	Step		5-6
3) Ladie's inside turn	(Same as usual)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Draw woman's R arm across body with L hand (woman turn L on R ft) Raise woman's R arm with L hand (woman turn under arm)	Step		3-4
	Direct woman's R arm through turn (woman complete turn on L ft)	Step		5-6
4) Sliding doors	(Same as usual)	Rock	Release R hand	1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Pull woman's R hand w/ L hand and slip behind her Complete pass so woman on other side; take woman's R hand w/ L hand	Step		3-4
	(Same as usual)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Pull woman's L hand w/ R hand and slip in front of herComplete pass so woman on other side; take woman's R hand w/ L hand	Step		3-4
5) Cuddle	(Same as usual, but in cuddle position)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual, but in cuddle position)	Step		2
	Draw woman's R arm across body with L hand (woman begin inside turn on R ft) Raise woman's R arm with L hand (woman turn under arm)	Step		3-4
	While maintaining contact with R hand, pull woman in close to own body near R hip.	Step		5-6
	(Same as usual)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Nudge woman's back with R wrist Raise woman's R arm with L hand (woman turn R under arm)	Step	Woman step away from partner during turn	3-4
	Complete turn	Step		5-6
6) Spin	(Same as usual)	Rock		1
	(Same as usual)	Step		2
	Pull woman's R hand w/ own R hand to draw woman in	Step	Transfer woman's R hand to own R hand	3-4
	Push with hand and let go (woman spin to R)	Turn		5-6
7) Slide	While holding both hands: Raise woman's R hand behind own neck, & woman's L hand behind her neck	Step		1-2
	Drop woman's R hand; let own R hand slide down woman's R arm	Step		3-4
	(Same as usual)	Rock		5
	(Same as usual)	Step		6
8) Behind the back	Draw woman's R arm in front of her and lift it in air (woman begin turn under arm)	Step		1-2
	Complete circling woman's R arm around while turning own back to her; switch her R hand to own L hand	Step		3-4
	(Same as usual)	Rock		5
	(Same as usual)	Step		6

* Throughout descriptions, it is assumed that a man is leading the dance and a woman is following, though either gender could assume either role. Here directions and cues different for the woman are noted in parentheses.

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© Steven A. Henkel, 4/20

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