0 Introduction to Struttin'

COURSE: struttin-vol-i-introduction

FOCUS: This lesson introduces the history and basics of Struttin', a dance from Memphis, Tennessee, spanning the 1930s to 1950s, with the goal of starting to learn the dance.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Dance in close embrace for footwork variations and turning.
• Use a small space as it was traditionally danced in bars.
• Incorporate turns and flashy moves for showmanship in later styles.
• Focus on up-tempo, faster blues music for the dance rhythm.

REMEMBER:

• Struttin' evolved from pre-World War II close embrace to post-war showmanship.
• The dance originated in Memphis and has two distinct generations of styles.
• Check resources for more history, such as Damon Stone's video.