The jitterbug is a swing dance variation that is derived from the Lindy hop and East Coast Swing. In the 1940s, it became popular. There are several theories about where the term jitterbug came from. The name may have come from the fact that the dance involves jerking movements that resemble the jitters of alcoholic recovery. Cab Calloway once said the dancers resembled a bunch of “jitterbugs.”
Another possibility is that the name jitterbug was first intended as a derogatory or ethnic slur. In the late 1930s, most dance schools refused to teach the Lindy Hop. However, as the jitterbug’s popularity grew, it began to be taught, and any racial slur has since been forgotten.
Jitterbug is a term that some people use to refer to all types of swing dancing. By the strictest definition of the dance, this is technically incorrect. You can also use jitterbug as a verb: Do you jitterbug?
The six-count move is emphasized in the jitterbug. Back, step, forward, touch, step, and touch are the most basic dance moves. This dance would begin with the man’s left foot. The leading partner’s footwork is left-right-left-right-right-right-left. On the opposite foot, the next partner repeats the steps.
The jitterbug involves many different turns, lifts, and spins. Instead of a face-to-face partner hold, the partners may dance side by side. This is a common feature of many swing dance styles.
Some of the lifts are enjoyable to learn once the basic steps and spins have been mastered. Lifting and swinging the following partner from one side to the other, swinging the partner through spread legs, and other complex maneuvers are examples. Because the dance is fast, most of the tricks require some skill to master.
The jitterbug calls for fast 4/4 music. Rockabilly, 50s and early 60s rock and roll, some modern rock songs, swing music, and pre-swing jazz can all be danced to. A jitterbug variation can also be danced to fast-paced Country and Western music.
Since swing dancing has grown in popularity, many clubs now offer a half-hour of beginner swing dancing instruction before open dancing for all. This is a fun way to learn about jitterbug and other dances. Many dance schools, community colleges, and recreation centers also offer beginner and advanced swing classes, which can have you tripping the light fantastic in classic jitterbug style in no time.