Hand dancing, also known as D.C. Hand Dancing or D.C. Swing, is a form of swing dance traced back to the 1920s with roots in the Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug. The term "Hand Dance" indicates the communication method between partners.
This full-contact dance incorporates delicate hand and smooth footwork movements with close-in intricate steps and turns.
Hand Dancing faded a bit during the disco era. However, in the 1980s, hand dance resurfaced in the D.C. dance community as they developed their unique dance style.
In 1993, the Smithsonian Institution recognized Hand Dance as an American Art Form and the D.C. Council recognized Hand Dance as the Official Dance of the District of Columbia.
After studying hand dance for more than 10 years, from some of the best hand dance instructors in the DC area, I founded the Odyssey Hand Dance Academy. My goal is to share what I have learned while making learning hand dancing easy and fun. You need no prior dance experience for the beginner level. Learning hand dancing with the Odyssey Hand Dance Academy is a journey of exploration. I invite you to join the ‘Odyssey’ and take your first steps or your next steps with me!
Being able to easily and safely turn and spin while maintaining balance is a crucial part of the dance.
The recommended option is to wear a pair of Ballroom shoes with a suede or felt sole.
A standard ladies dance shoe featuring a Cuban heel of 1 to 1.5 inches is a popular choice. The heel height should be comfortable. Anything higher than 1.5 inches could be challenging for beginners. Those who prefer a flat shoe with no heel might consider a slip-on jazz shoe.