Book Review: "Swing Dance" by Scott Cupit

I was incredibly chuffed to be offered a copy of Scott Cupit's book and asked to review it purely on the strength of this blog and I'm even happier to report that the book itself was a joy to read. The book's subtitle suggests that an insight on "Fashion, music, culture and key moves" is offered, which is an ambitious claim to make considering that tomes could be written on each of those topics individually, but Swing Dance eschews esoteric language in favour of making this book accessible to non-dancers and beginners whilst offering more than enough to keep experienced dancers and vintage enthusiasts interested.

It kicks off with a foreword by Deborah Meaden and touches on her nascent love of swing dancing that I am sure resonates with many, before Scott offers an insight into his personal journey from Melbourne, Australia, to establishing and running the largest swing collective in Europe, Swing Patrol, courtesy of a chance glance of Lindy hop at Disneyland, California, in 1997.

Scott's passion for swing is evident throughout and having met Scott (interviewed him for this blog!), attended his workshops, and danced in some of the venues and with some of the people he mentions, everything felt even more engaging, but that is only a personal bonus as this book would speak to anyone who picked it up. In fact, Scott's style of writing sets the scene for what's to follow as Swing Dance reads like a transcribed conversation of tips and history, rather than some staid 'swing' textbook in stiff prose.

Leafing through it reveals that there are only two instances of back-to-back pages of solid text as every other page is peppered, if not actually covered, with images that showcase the rich culture of swing dancing: from halcyon snapshots of bygone eras to photographs of contemporary dancers and venues. Furthermore, by using QR codes the book provides access to an archive of short videos that accompany each of the dance tutorials.

The dances given special attention by way of these tutorials are the Charleston, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Lindy hop, along with a few additional jazz steps thrown in, and it would be possible to pick up this book having never previously tried any swing dances and give one or more a fair go. And if you've learnt the steps then you need some music to practice to, and each section also provides a playlist of suitable songs.

As well as knowing the dance steps, however, plenty in the Lindy community would also tell you the importance of looking the part, and Swing Dance does an excellent job of outlining the key bits of kit needed to rock the 1920s, 30s, 40s or 50s vibe from shoes to hairstyles and everything in between, with plenty of photos again offering visual inspiration.

Finally, and quite importantly, the book regularly references the progenitors of swing, whether dancers or musicians, to ensure that the reader's education extends beyond footwork and fashion, and shines the spotlight especially brightly on Frankie Manning and Norma Miller - the two individuals to whom the global swing family owe the most.

Just as the cover threatened it would, Swing Dance provides a concise and elegant overview of the "fashion, music, culture and key moves" of swing dancing with Scott's personal and informative writing style ensuring that it remains engaging throughout, and whether you're a complete beginner looking to get a head-start, or a more regular dancer in need of brushing up on your historical or sartorial swing knowledge, I can easily see Swing Dance becoming your go-to handbook.