Swing Dancing - Advanced Tandem Charleston

In this week's class we ramped up the difficulty with some fancy Tandem Charleston. We started with an 8-count entry to Tandem (rather than the 10 count version that is more common) then added a follow turn, and a tricky transition to "Reverse Tandem" where the follow is in front of the lead - I know... what???? We finished the class with a block turn which can be used to exit Tandem or to go back into regular Tandem.
There's lots of technique to unpack here - key points for the leads are clear, consistent footwork and pulse, and using the hands to signal to the follow what's happening so that you can stay in time and know what's going on. Follows need to make sure that they remember to rock back on the left foot on count 1 (rather than the usual right foot) and to pay attention - these are not moves that you can do on autopilot!
But most importantly have fun: be creative, be musical and have a laugh if you make a mistake!

[@AllDayAllNite87]

This entry in tandem was beautiful! I have long imagined that it was possible but it is so helpful to see it executed and thoroughly explained! Thank you both :)

[@joandandydance]

Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed it!

[@jervisbay2540]

Fab dance instruction. Works well with the counts. But so annoying with the constant - boom ba la de dah vocals,