Pop culture has the simple formula “swing = aerials” stuck in their mind. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen couples attempt aerials on their first night out dancing. Fortunately, it has become an uncommon site in recent years. To watch someone untrained toss or get tossed into the air is quite simply scary. Aerials and tricks are a fun part of swing dancing, however, this article hitting national news today should be a warning. Know what you are doing before both of your feet or your partner’s feet leave the ground! Learn the basics of the dance first. Then learn all the ins and outs of the trick you are trying to attempt (including all the safety aspects). Aerials and tricks are just that… tricks. They never involve brute force “lift and throw”. For any move involving both feet leaving the ground, make sure you do them with a partner you have practiced the move with beforehand. Most ladies don’t like to find themselves suddenly airborne on the social dance floor.