The Philly Bop is a smooth version of the Lindy Hop / Jitterbug / Swing, which are all dances that can be traced back to the 1920s. The 6-count (double step, double step, rock step) is the basic Jitterbug / Swing dance pattern.  In the 50's, Philadelphia African Americans created their own version of the dance and called it The Philly Bop.  This dance consists of the same 6-count steps, but the foot movement differs (double step, double step, step-step).  When Philadelphia African-Americans were able to appear on “American Bandstand,” at 46th and Market, they showcased the Philly Bop -- the "smoothed out Jitterbug." This 6-count dance has gliding footwork and continuous hand connections between the partners.  Music for The Philly Bop includes the Motown sound (Temptations, Marvin Gaye, etc.) as well as smooth jazz & blues.  The Bop is the "OFFICIAL DANCE OF PHILLY."

Bop Demo #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPTq1Jg6sfQ

Bop Demo #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=insbDZgYcaE

Bop Demo #3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOssVxWobY 

Soul Line Dancing is the smooth version of Country / Western Line Dancing.  This is another story……….