Dance is like language: structured on a few basic rules and cadences, they move from place to place and evolve over time. As the “Gateway to the West”, St. Louis is the ultimate American rendezvous for the East and West Coasts, flooded by steps and stomps spinning together from all over the country. Since the early 1900’s to present day, Swing dancing has taken over dance floors everywhere with its intricate footwork, fast paced switches, and general feel good rhythm.
The St Louis Shag and Imperial Swing are two variations of Swing Dance said to be developed in St. Louis. With influences from dance floors around the country, these variations are perfect testaments to the affluence of St. Louis culture. Imperial Swing was developed at Club Imperial in northern St. Louis which was ran by George Edick.
The style "Imperial Swing" was named after the club itself and lent to a mix of swing dance with a twinge of rock n' roll to keep people of all ages' feet moving after the decline of swing dancing in the 1950's. The club was so popular that it was even featured on a weekly TV Show called "Dance Party":
Swing Dancing is still much alive and well throughout the city today with several groups that meet up on various days of the week to learn, practice, mingle and twirl their way through night. Check out the Lindy Hop Group, Thursday nights at the Atomic Cowboy and West County Swing Dance Club for more information on how to get involved in Swingin’ St. Louie.
Written by Ciara Brewer on behalf of Monica Brewer
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