We don't do the swing too much in our studio, but it does come up in the lessons every now and then. However, 30 years ago, it was constant swing at the disco clubs and in the dance studios. So I learned an 8-count swing (or side-together-side, side-together-side, rock-step) years ago and was surprised that the same method was being taught some 30 years later, only this time to true Swing Era music like Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, etc. However, I have found that for most of the songs, it is hard to adapt that eight-step or six-step (1&2, 3&4, back step) to that kind of music. I have also been shown what appears to be only a four step swing (1, 2, back step) and that also seems hard to keep timing on during songs like "In the Mood" or "Don't Be That Way." Am I missing a step or something, or not counting properly? Some songs work fine, others not so good. Yet those from my parents' generation (World War II and the early 1950s) seem to be able to swing to just about anything, as they have mastered some sort of perfect timing to it. I guess those of us who learned that dance during the disco blitz were ingrained with something that wasn't the true swing? It is kind of frustrating because, as most everyone on this message board knows, the dance comes in so handy when a song tempo is just too quick for a Fox Trot. Is it a matter of knowing the differences between East Coast and West Coast swing and when to use them?

I have never heard of an 8 count swing like you describe. Eight steps in eight beats means all quicks. That's just walking to each beat, like beginner 4 count hustle (which may be what you are thinking about, although it doesn't have the pattern you described).

I don't think east coast triple time swing (1a2 3a4 56) fits most big band swing music very well. Many people do it, but I don't like it. Much of this music doesn't have any beats other than the 4/4 timing beats, which means you don't have anything in the music to step on for the "a" steps. Single time swing (SSQQ) fits better, but I don't particularly like that style swing (just my own preference). This may be the 4 count swing you are thinking of (It's actually 6 counts, four steps, SSQQ not 1234). There is a double time swing which is eight counts, all quicks, but counts 1 and 3 are tap steps. That works sometimes. When this music doesn't fit swing, I do either foxtrot or quickstep. Some of it is not a perfect fit for quickstep, but I like it better than swing.

They are refering to triple time swing ( east coast style ) counted-- 1and2, 3 and 4 - rock step 1,2- repeated twice for 3 bars.

For what it is worth a Fallaway Rock or a Link and a Chasse to the left and to the right has eight steps. As does a Change of Place left to right.Also an American Spin.
Now a point to argue on. In the International Style of Jive no couple will even try a Swing Jive anymore. Karen Hardy a comentator at a IDSF final said that one out of the six finalists was dancing Swing Jive and was chasing the beat. They couldn't keep up with the pace of the music. Flick Jive is the way to go. So what we are stuck with is two styles of Jive. One for the Medals and Socialy and another for competitions. A slower speed for Social and the faster for competitions.

I read that the majority of International Jive figures have eight steps over six beats. The eight beat figures have ten steps- reverse whip, etc.
Regarding your ‘point to argue on'- The International listing of music genre does not list Flick Jive. Please give an example song and artist.

From Burn the Floor Jumpin Jive. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Pick a bail of Cotton Lonnie Donigan is a good one. Reverse Whip You chose an awkward one to explain there. I'm suprised you didn't count these beats.1 1 3/4 1/4 1 1 1 3/4 1/4 1. Do you see how we are still in rhythm
Swing Jive which very few even if they know what it is rarely is it danced correctly. One of your top former Latin Dancers I am told gets a pupil to sit on a chair and to fall off sideways. Then they do it again and just catch themselves with their foot before they go to far. Try that with that amount of action to the music being played at 44bpm. A good tape to get is Michael Wentink 's Out of Africa You'd learn a lot about
counting not only in the Jive. He does a whole routine lasting through the whole of a disk and everything is done to an eight count counted out loud. You'd need to see for yourself to get the full picture. If you can find a tape of a couple Jiving, there should be some on youtube Pick up the count with the music and count in 8's watching the dancers. Good Luck.

Thanks- I have all that music you mentioned. I just didn't relate to the term Flick Jive. Is this term commonly used? Where did the term derive? -Maybe from the kicks and flicks in Jive?