Boogie-woogie (dance)

For other uses, see Boogie-woogie (disambiguation).

Boogie-woogie dance is a European variation of swing dance^[1] often done competitively that developed in the 1940s. Although its name derives from the boogie-woogie genre of music, it is most often danced to rock music.^[2] The form is cited in Madonna's hit single "Music".^[3]

Steps defined as boogie woogie dance

Description

Boogie-woogie in competition is a led, partnered dance, not choreographed. It falls under the umbrella of swing dance, but is distinct from Lindy Hop. It follows a six-beat dance pattern, usually cued as "step-step, triple step, triple step",^[4] each word taking one beat but the second syllable of "triple" delayed to match the music's syncopation.

In some parts of Europe, boogie-woogie is mostly done as a social dance, while, in others, it is mostly a competition form. The competitions are regulated by the World Rock'n'Roll Confederation.^[5] The competition forms of boogie woogie consist of main and junior classes.