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California Routine Tutorial - with alternate versions

4,017 views · Published 23 April 2013 · 3:38 · Indexed 14 November 2026

Channel: swinginstyle · 2013 · Howto & Style

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The California Routine has a long history within lindy hop. I first learned it in Denver, Colorado as a crucial choreography piece. You can see the makings of it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkthxBsIeGQ
You can see the California Routine as filmed in the Spirit Moves and performed by Leon James and Esther Washington here:
http://youtu.be/5dKPyL8jInw?t=1m8s

In this version of the California routine, I eliminate the jig kicks that follow the Tango. They were in the original version I learned and often performed with 23 Skidoo. Many dancers choose to eliminate this portion. Watch the following video as many international lindy hoppers perform the California Routine at the end:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QpWOPpQ6KM

The California Routine has slight modifications based on regional flavors and music. This video reflects this as I show alternate versions to:
The Circle in the 1st Phrase as the first three swingouts are danced at a 45 degree angle to the audience
The Kickups/SkipUps in the 2nd Phrase can be danced with or without holding hands, maybe low to high level change
The 6 ct tossout in the 2nd Phrase might feature a stompoff or breezy knees
The Tango in the 3rd Phrase may or may not feature a guy's kick through.
There should be a lindy flip in that 3rd phrase, but we subbed it out
The slip slops and kickaround in the 4th phrase have several variations and we demonstrate many of them.
The end of the 4th phrase into the outro varies based on the song and performance group. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb1lYSPmQ0I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqSyDtwFWQI
And when I mentioned monster exits in Hellzapoppin', I meant the Rhythm Hot Shots


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