I'd just like to clarify a little for any beginngers out there.
I think/hope that what Justin meant to say was that as you learn more
and more about dancing, you'll perform less East Coast Swing (ECS)
'flavored' moves while dancing Lindy Hop and less Lindy Hop while
dancing ECS.
> Lindy Hop is considered to be slightly more intricate with more
> patterned kicks (like the Charleston or tandem Charleston)
> while East Coast is often danced to faster music.
Again, a clarification, all of the swing dances (ECS, Lindy, West Coast
Swing, Shag, Jive, etc etc) have nuances and characteristic movements that
make them unique. None is more intricate/complex/advanced than any
other... each has progressive levels of challenging moves that make them a
fun and interesting pass-time. East Coast is generally a good starting
point for beginners, because a good background of it's basics can be/are
incorporated into higher stages of other swing dances, as well as ECS
itself.
There are a lot of swing dancing opportunites in C-U and this region of
the midwest (Chicago, St. Lois, Indy). The UIUC Swing Society lists some
on its web page, the Dancing Illini advertise more... together, they don't
even begin to cover all the options!
The important part is to have fun, be careful/ considerate on the dance
floor, and be open to learning. It's up to you what sort of swing
(ballroom, country, hustle, salsa, tango, etc) dance you want to focus
on and adopt as your most-favorite!
Happy Dancing
Sheena Beaverson
(former Dancing Illini officer and on-going West Coast Swing freak)