Type Turn, Combo
Level Level 5 Intermediate
Other Names The Octopus (when done twice or more), Reverse Pretzel
Comes From Butterfly Open Position, Hammerlock, Sliding Door
Leads To Butterfly Open Position, Hammerlock, Toss Away Spin
In the Pretzel, the leader and follower’s hands are connected in open position, and through a series of turns they turn back-to-back and then wrap around to Open Position.
Continue reading “Pretzel” →Type Lean
Level Beginner 3
Other Names
Comes From R-to-R Open Position, Belt Loop,
Leads To Open Facing,
This move begins the same way as the Bow & Arrow, but instead of the lead pushing the follow away, the lead makes the follow lean on his side. It can be followed up with some pretty dips and turns to make for a well-polished combo.
Continue reading “Shoulder Lean” →Have you been stepping out of time with the music? Struggling to fit your new dance moves into two-step rhythms? This basic step pattern in Country Swing can give you a framework for all your country moves to keep you in sync. How? Hint: it’s based on The New York Hustle.
Continue reading “Basic Country Swing Step” →Type Aerial, Flip
Level Advanced 7
Other Names Basic Flip
Comes From Open Position, Cuddle
Leads To Open Position, Airplane, Texas Star
Looking to learn flips in Country Swing? This is the easiest to learn and incorporate into your dancing. It will come in handy with some more advanced moves later too!
Continue reading “Backflip” →Type Aerial, Combo, Lift, Flip (Handstand)
Level Advanced 7
Other Names Scissors
Comes From Open Position, Cuddle, Belt Loop Shadow Position, Inside Turn, Bread Basket,
Leads To Open Position, Open Position R-to-R,
In the Can Opener, the leader carries the follower, swings her leg over his neck, and flips her over to the other side. There are several versions including a hand stand and swing around. This aerial move looks more complicated than it is. All it requires is some trust and practice!
Continue reading “Can Opener” →Type Turn
Level Intermediate 6
Other Names
Comes From Tabletop, Double Lasso, Crossed Arm Slide, Low Shadow Position, Cross-Handed Open Position,
Leads To Open Position, Double Lasso, Cross-Handed Open Position, Break Up, Back Lean, Low Shadow Position, Tabletop,
The follower goes through the leader’s arms and behind his back to the other side. A classic two step move that can add some serious style to your dancing. It’s the cousin of the Tabletop and works well in combos.
Continue reading “Tunnel” →Type Lift, Dip
Level Advanced 7
Other Names The Bell, Rocking Chair
Comes From Crossed Arm Slide
Leads To R-to-R Open Position
Whether you consider this a dip, lift, or drop, the Gravedigger is a stunning move. The lead gets to lift and swing the follower like a shovel!
Continue reading “Gravedigger” →Type Lift
Level Advanced 7
Other Names The Swan
Comes From Belt Loop Shadow Position
Leads To Basket, Carousel
This move rocks! The leader will hold the follower like a guitar in a graceful and impressive lift. It’s easier than you might think.
Continue reading “The Guitar” →Type Combo
Level Intermediate 6
Other Names Ravioli Shimmy
Comes From Double Lasso, Cross-Handed Open Position, Hand Change
Leads To Inside Turn, Open Facing R-to-R, Bow and Arrow,
The Ravioli is a weird move on its own, but look what it you can do with it! In this combo, the leader wraps the follower’s arms over like a straight jacket, then rotates her so the opposite hand is on top. After that, the follower twists down to the floor.
Continue reading “Ravioli Twist” →Type Combo
Level Intermediate 6
Comes From Inside Turn
Leads To Open Position
A true AZ original. My friend Adam invented this combo in the Winter of 2018. He named it the Arizona Winter because of its resemblance to our weather: “This year winter couldn’t decide if it wanted to stay or go. So it keeps leaving and coming back, just like this move.” It combines elements of the Belt Loop, Tabletop, The Lean and Bow & Arrow.
Continue reading “The Arizona Winter” →
Country Swing AZ