The swingout (a.k.a. Lindy turn or whip) is the defining dance move of Lindy Hop. The swing out evolved from the breakaway.
Lead's work for swing-out: (typically male)
count | foot | step | what to do | hands |
8 | R | step | Prep. for swing-out, weight is down, bend knees. Step back away from your hand to create some distance and counter balance. | L to R in Open |
1 | L | rock | Rock-step backwards on the ball, HEEL UP! Rock away from your hand. | DON'T pull follow yet |
2 | R | step | Turn foot toward right, body turns 1/2 clockwise - this is where you pull your partner towards you. | ready to catch follow |
3 | L | tri- | Start to face follow, (step toe then heel) | catch |
& | R | ple | Square up. Face partner and place shoulders parallel. | extend arms |
4 | L | step | Shoulders square, hips square, parallel feet, right hand on partners shoulder blade/back, head up, slightly off-set to the left. SIT! Good connection, lots of space. | swing-out pull partner toward you |
5 | R | step | Open the door. Step open in the direction of the swing-out. (never hook foot) | release partner from right hand |
6 | L | step | Square up with partner and slow their momentum with left hand | L to R in Open |
7 | R | tri- | Step behind to create distance. Keep left hand in place. | L to R in Open |
& | L | ple | Step in place (left slightly in front) | L to R in Open |
8 | R | step | Step behind and stay settled back (foot must be straight and not twisted) Repeat from count 1. | L to R in Open |
Follow's work for swing-out: (typically female)
count | foot | step | what to do | hands |
8 | L | step | Prep. for swivels (hips left, step left) | L to R in Open |
1 | R | step | Step forward if leader pulls (swivel to right, twist left). If leader does not pull, swivel in place. This is YOUR moment. | L to R in Open |
2 | L | step | Step forward (swivel to left, twist right). DON'T try to avoid the lead. Walk forward on a balance beam. Lead will move out of the way. | L to R |
3 | R | tri- | Cross right foot in front and turn quickly to face lead. It feels like a third swivel with added clockwise rotation. Leader will catch you. | Leader's hand moves to back |
& | L | ple | Step back away from lead. This is how you reconnect and extend away. | closed |
4 | R | step | Right foot forward, left foot back on toe. Square up. | swing-out closed |
5 | L | step | Step to the side as lead swings-out. | lead will release right hand from back |
6 | R | step | Step behind and face lead | L to R in Open |
7 | L | tri- | Step underneath yourself and keep facing lead | L to R in Open |
& | R | ple | Step in place - keep facing lead | L to R in Open |
8 | L | step | Now being swivel prep to the left. Repeat from count 1. | L to R in Open |