Suzie Q (dance move)
Suzie Q (or Suzy Q) is the name of a dance step in the Big Apple, Lindy Hop, and other dances. In line dances this step is also known as Heel Twist (actually refers to step 2) or Grind Walk. The step is also used in jazz dance, and in Salsa shines.
The step originated from a novelty dance of 1930s with the same name addressed in the 1936 song Doin' the Suzie-Q by Lil Hardin Armstrong.
The step
The feet perform alternating cross steps and side steps with swivel action, as follows.
- On 1, put the right foot on the heel across the left foot and put the weight on this heel, the toe being in the air.
- On 2, swivel on the heel, the right toe swinging to the right, while doing a small step by the left foot to the side, almost in place or simply transferring the weight onto the left foot, or stepping slightly back.
Step 1 may also be accompanied with a light swivel of the left toe.
One may continue in one of the ways:
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 several times.
- or
- On 3, step with the right foot to the right.
- On 4, bring the left foot together or step across the right foot.
- repeat steps 1, 2, 3, 4.
- or (change of direction)
- On 3, step with the right foot to the right.
- On 4, do nothing.
- 5, 6, 7, 8 do any of the three patterns from the opposite foot.
Hand movement
The hands are clasped together and pumped up and down or side to side in time to the music. The arm movements may vary. Hand movement may vary.
Partnered Suzy Qs
In Lindy Hop, Suzy Qs can be performed by couples, either facing each other in open position, or side by side.
Songs
- Doin' the Suzie-Q by Lil Hardin Armstrong, recorded October 27, 1936 addresses this dance.
The song was written by Stan Lewis who owned Stan's Record Shop which was the record shop in Shreveport, LA. He wrote the song about his young daughter, Susan. Over the years there have been several recordings of the song.
- Susie-Q by Dale Hawkins (the original recording artist, 1956)
- Recorded by the Rolling Stones as Susie Q on February 25, 1964. Released in the United States on the 12 X 5 album in 1964 and in the UK on Rolling Stones No. 2 in 1965.
- Recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival as Suzie Q, Fantasy Records, 1968
- Suzi Q by Suzi Q from the Oh, Suzi Q album, 1990.
Suzie Q by Big Japan, from the Album "Music For Dummies" (2005)
Trivia
- In the TV series Prison Break, character Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell refers to the woman he dated before going to prison as Suzie Q.