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Swing Triple Steps: Lindy Hop Rhythm Fundamentals

Swing Triple Steps: Lindy Hop Rhythm Fundamentals — video by Syncopated City Play · 9:56

Video by Syncopated City on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Lindy hop teachers Michael Jagger and Evita Arce of Syncopated City drill the triple step for swing dancing: three steps over two beats, a longer first step so it swings, an upward bounce, a call-and-response exercise and practice to music.

  • 10 min
  • Beginner
  • Moderate impact
  • No equipment
  • Swing

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 7

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Basic form: three steps over two beats, side to side, counted 1-and-2, 3-and-4. 0:29
  2. Stand up and do it with them; the first step is a little longer so the rhythm swings. 1:17
  3. Push with extra energy on the first step, like a bouncing ball, then land. 2:46
  4. Hear the difference between a straight rhythm and a swung one. 3:43
  5. Bounce and posture: think up, up, like the letter W, instead of sinking into the floor. 4:42
  6. Call and response without music: copy Michael's triple steps and listen to your feet. 5:33
  7. Add music: triple steps continuously on the beat, then practise at different tempos. 7:19

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Push a little more on the first step of each triple so it swings
  • Think up, up: let the bounce lift you instead of sinking into the floor
  • Practise at different tempos while keeping control and balance

What it works

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Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Hips movesside-to-side triple steps
  • Knees movesbouncy triple steps side to side
  • Ankles & feet movespush-off on the first step, triples

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Syncopated City; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety