Tempo:
In the USA (and the World), 34 to 36 is normal. There is also a West Coast variation for which 28-32 measures per minute is more common.

Variations of this dance come with many different names such as Jitterbug and Lindy Hop. Whatever name you give it, it's an exciting and happy dance.

Here's a little music for your practice session. Listen to:
Opus One
Rainy Night, quick Swing
At The Hop, Swing
It's Only A Paper Moon, triple Swing

  VIDEO: "Basic Swing Step - Close"   (Film Clip: richhuang ): . East Coast Swing - Primer 01 Basic Step Close (mirror of http://www.charmcityswing.com/videoliibrary.php

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Open"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Open to Close"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Tuck Turn"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Underarm Turn"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Back Pass"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Combination"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

  VIDEO: "Swing Basic Step - Triple Steps"   (Film Clip: richhuang ):

There are some differences between the above video steps, and the below, but they are close enough to show the weight and balance in both version of the Swing steps. Perhaps the Video version above should be followed.

 
1. Left foot to side --- One
2. Right foot closses to left foot --- And
3. Left foot to side --- Two
4. Right foot steps in place --- Three
5. Left foot closes to right foot --- And
6. Right foot to side --- Four
7. Left foot back --- Five
8. Right foot in place --- Six

1. Right foot to side --- One
2. Left foot closses to right foot --- And
3. Right foot to side --- Two
4. Left foot steps in place ---Three
5. Right foot closes to left foot --- And
6. Left foot to side --- Four
7. Right foot back --- Five
8. Left foot in place --- Six

The 'Basic' Steps should be practiced until both partners are comfortable and can execute the pattern easily and without any stress. The picture on the left shows the basic Swing step for the Man, or "Lead". The Lady, or "Follow", executes the sames steps backwards (diagram shown just below the 'lead' above), starting on her Right foot.

And, on the Right is shown the "Amalgamation" of steps - danced more or less in one place. The 'Lead' may choose to turn either Right or Left on steps One to Six. No turns should be made on steps seven or eight. The whole figure is repeated by returning to step one from step eight.

Swing - very exciting and happy - is danced in the 'Closed Hold' position, with the partners about 15 to 30 CM, or 1/2 to 1 foot, apart. The "Free" hands are dropped to about waist level.

The Swing Dance manages to fit 8 steps into 6 beats of music played in 4/4 time. It accomplishes this by fitting the 'One And' and the 'Three And' into the counts of One and Three respectively.

The side steps are done with bent knees and a little bounce. On the 7th count, step backward (and slightly away from your partner) using the ball of the foot, NOT the heel.