The Kip (Swing Dance Aerial)

Wikipedia denotes the kip swing dance aerial as a synonym to the lamp post / an around the back. Though this may have been correct at one time, I believe this is no longer true. I also believe this hasn’t been so for a at least a decade. The kip in most communities refers to a classification of an aerial where the follower rotates completely around the left arm of the leader landing on the left side of the leader. To differentiate the kip from... [Read More...]

Spotters and swing dance aerials

Aerials require training, and the process of aerials training can be extremely dangerous. In my opinion, you can mitigate some danger by training correctly, but danger never goes away. I believe the best thing you can do to mitigate danger is have people experienced in dealing with the dangers head on, thus, experienced spotters. In my opinion, the spotter is the most important person in the room when you’re practicing a a new aerial, especially... [Read More...]

Principles of the Swing Dance Back Flip Aerial

The back flip is one of the easiest swing dance aerials one can learn. There are many different names such as walk in and knickerbocker, but they all operate on the same principles. Learn the principles before you try it. Principle one : Axis is everything! Regardless of the entry (one footed or two), platform use (hand platform, shoulder protect platform, free flying tuck), or any other factors, somebody is executing a back flip, probably a back... [Read More...]

Southern Fried Swing

If you haven’t heard about it, there’s a new event starting up in Fort Smith Arkansas called Southern Fried Swing. Carol, Dave, Marcus, Shannon and I are all doing our best to make sure this is a world class event. We all hope to see you there. Come support this new community and this new event. tf  Read More →