You Gotta Have Swing

By Bert Anderson: San Francisco

Cream in your coffee, butter on your bun, how about some more gravy on your prime rib? Hey, and don't forget to pile on some strawberries on that shortcake. Umm-umm, life is good!

Just as these are tasty examples of matches made in heaven, so also. are break-endings in West Coast Swing. It is difficult to imagine a dancer without a cupboard full of break endings (unless a beginner.) It is this that adds spice and zest to a dancer's repertoire.

"Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman

There are many good dancers, both male and female, who rely on only a few basic patterns; steps as elementary as a closed position - simple throw out to open, sugar push, side pass and the whip. So what makes these dancers, so much fun to partner up with? What makes them appear to do so much with so few pattern's? The answer is simple ... break endings.

Think about it. A dancer may have five, ten or 20 patterns in their bag of tricks but if each one finishes with the same old one-two-three break-ending -- boorring. As you watch the better dancers you'll notice they play with their break-endings. You wonder if they're ever going to move on to another pattern. Hey, they are having fun!

 "Opus One" by Tommy Dorsey

Break-endings can be inserted at any time by either partner. They don't have to be done together and most aren't. The lady may use a single, double or triple ending while her partner marks time. The man may finish a whip or other pattern witha a multiple break-ending. The couple may elect to fancy break-ending together. Many fine dancers will tease their partner with tricky break-ends to measure their response, but it's all in the spirit of fun.

When you realize your dancing lacks the spontaneity of multiple break-endings, it's time to start learning and using them. You'll discover your dancing taking on a new dimension. The effective use of multiple break-endings will make you a more desirable dance partner. You'll find you are developing a style of your own as you transition from a plodding one-two-three break-ending to a smooth and well executed  multiple finish.

But best of all, boys and girls, you'll find you're enjoying your dancing much more. Remember ... Who's the best dancer on the floor? The one having the most fun.

"Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho

Bert Anderson:
A California Swing instructor for over 40 years Started teaching at Arthur Murray, became a competition dancer, which he was still doing in the "old geezer" division. Also has been a competition judge.