Lesson 1: Bounce

Fundamentals
"Dance with bended knees, lest you be taken for a corpse" - Kongo proverb

Bounce or pulse is an essential element of swing dancing. Steps maybe similar in many dance styles, but the “feel” which is reflected in bounce or pulse is unique to a style. Bounce as well represents the timing of the music, the 4/4 pulse, it’s your “double bass” inside.

Jazz dance movements are characterised by a weighted release into gravity, a dynamic spine and propulsive rhythms.

"To many western and central Africans, flexed joints represent life and energy, while straightened hips, elbows and knees epitomized rigidity and death" (from "Steppin on the Blues")