Most of the biggest supporters of swing music are 20-30-somethings who say they need an escape from everyday life, and that swing music (and dancing) provides that escape. Also, swing represents a fun, dressed-up backlash against the dressed-down darker music of the 1980's and 1990's. It certainly offers much more theatre, with its colorful costumes and stylized poses (Ashare).
             Another reason that swing has become popular again is not necessarily the music, but the dance. The appeal, many say, is that it's social, athletic, and carefree. It's nostalgic, yet fresh to a new generation (Aguila). Swing dancing is "touch dancing," and many dancers say they feel a sense of closeness with their partner. Basic swing dance is relatively easy to learn, and there is a huge array of challenging moves to be learned to keep enthusiasts interested.
             The most popular dance lately is the Lindy Hop, also known as the Jitterbug. The Lindy Hop is the original swing from the 1930's and 1940's, named due to its aerial moves after Charles Lindbergh's famous 1927 flight. At its advanced levels, it is very improvisatory. Its basic step is an eight-count step. There are two main styles of Lindy Hop - the Savoy style, which is characterized by long, horizontal lines, and the G.I. Style, which is more upright (Lichtmann). It has also been called the push or whip in the South, and the shag or bop in the north. Creative performers pride themselves on unveiling totally new and attractive moves that they know will soon be copied.
             Another part of the revival is the colorful clothing closely associated with swing music and dancing. More than ever, dancers are rushing to vintage stores, looking for the perfect authentic outfit to wear for a night of dancing. The men wear wide-lapelled jackets with just-as-wide ties, button down shirts, fedora hats, and two-tone patent leather shoes. The women wea...