When I do swing I like to use a lot of pretzel moves; these I learned in C/W swing. The ladies seem to love them, but from what I've noticed I'm about the only one who uses them at the swing dances I attend, so I'm wondering how common they are in general swing as opposed to country swing.

"Wherever you go, you represent the team. You will talk like, you will look like and you will act like the most dignified professional in your hometown" - Vince Lombardi to his players.

Hi,
I was just going though the posts and thought I would offer my opinion to you question.
I really can't say there is a differance between the regular social swing you spoke of and the c/w swing except for the music and your personal styling you add. No matter which rythem of swing is being played or danced by my partner my feet will always dance the doubled time.......as long as we are talking east coast.
I noticed that in the c/w clubs many turns seem to be taught with the man standing and marking time for the most part while he twists and whips and turns the lady often to the point of nuausa, while she prays not to be hit in the thoart by a poor leader while going backwards in high heels or boots and holding on for dear life.
I think it is pesonal taste and styling. I like a few pretzel steps, but as an added attraction, not for most of the dance. This lady and many others, like some freedom while the man leads with finger tip control so we can be shown off and allowed the dance space to show our style of swing, salvoy, or slot.
Prehaps you are lucky enough to know more turns and combanations than most men who social or street dance swing. Enjoy this.
Dance what you like, but think of your partner and what each of your roles our in each dance is my suggestion.
I've been teaching swing since the 70's, but learned it in the 60's. I have gone though all the phases and seen them come and go more than once in being popular.
This ol' gal perfers a man who looks "slick and smooth" while allowing me some arm freedom so he can show me off as well.
Of course, my knees are bone on bone from all those years of dancing jitterbug right before the took the same dance and redirected the pattern into the hustle.
Be yourself on the floor and most of all be curtious of your partners level and speed and balance.
Deb

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Pretzel moves work better for single rhythm
swing and a faster tempo music with rhythm
breaks. But, doesn't really work well in
triple rhythm swings.

Debra,

You're right; there is really no difference between country swing and regular swing in my own opinion and experience with dancing, but many do make a distiction and it was in doing swing to c/w music that I learned some of these moves.

As for courtesy to my partner's speed, level and balance; I've certainly danced long enough to be aware of what patterns I can and cannot use, but I have been surprised by those beginners who have asked me to show them a pattern that is past their level and pick right up on it.

"Wherever you go, you represent the team. You will talk like, you will look like and you will act like the most dignified professional in your hometown" - Vince Lombardi to his players.

Bill,

Works well for me; even better in triple then single, but everyone's different.

"Wherever you go, you represent the team. You will talk like, you will look like and you will act like the most dignified professional in your hometown" - Vince Lombardi to his players.

Preztel moves are everywhere - my partners use them all the time, single or triple-step.

"Pretzel Moves" are not swing dance moves. That's disco. Why? Because most people that do a "pretzel move" stop moving their feet. If you aren't moving your feet to the rhythm of the song, you aren't dancing anymore.

Take a Lindy Hop lesson, and learn something that has steps to it. it will pay off in the long run.