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SKIPPY'S BLOG
NOTES of interest from a few questions sent by email regarding How to Decide when you have found - MUSIC THAT SWINGS.

 John Festa uses different words than I do, but he has the same idea.  There is a specific sound in music that makes you "feel" the swing in the music.  Years ago, musicians would say "that really swings."  Festa is right on the money.  When he dances, he swings.  For myself, I describe this phenomenon in several different ways: 
 
One of the first that I suggest is that someone sit and listen to a piece of music - "tighten your abdominal muscles - and make a figure 8 with your Center Point of Balance, in time to the music."  I admit that it is easier to demonstrate than it is to describe on paper. 
 
Another suggestion I make is to silently count to the music using "Rolling Count" - "&a1 &a2 - &a3 &a4" - etc.  Even if  you cannot hear that sound in the music, the music allows the sound to integrate into the rhythm section.  It's a little bit like having another musician sitting in who fits perfectly with the rest of the band.  I see the dancer as an extra instrument in the band. 

(See Article on COMPETITION MUSIC)