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.
Check out our
Hand Dance videos.