Charleston kick away
A Charleston variation: partners dancing side by side kick away from each other into open position, bounce there with one hand joined, and come back together.
Charleston (step, kick, step, touch), then the kick away
Swing Hall
Charleston variations in which the partners change between side by side, closed and open positions have been part of Lindy Hop’s repertoire for decades. The exact origin of the kick away is not well documented.
An intermediate Charleston variation that teaches you to open and close the pair without losing the connection. It breaks up a long Charleston and is a playful way to change position.
- Master the basic Charleston and the side-by-side Charleston first.
- Practise the kick away slowly: kick out, release the arm, turn to face, one hand joined.
- Keep the joined hand relaxed when you open: arm’s length, no pulling.
- Close back into side by side on a clear count, so the Charleston restarts together.