California Routine

Overview

Created in the middle of 1941, the California Routine is one of the most pervasive and recognizable Lindy Hop routines. Originally choreographed in the middle of 1941, the California Routine represents one of Frankie Manning’s interpretations of Jumpin’ at the Woodside. Created for the movie Hellzapoppin’, the routine featured for couples, all members of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, and begins as the last of their solos end. Although it wasn’t the first routine to hit the big screen, it represented a step towards the increased professionalism of lindy hoppers because of the requirements that Frankie Manning placed on himself as the choreographer and the demanding practice schedule placed on the all of the dancers. This routine helped to establish lindy hoppers as more than filler for more established types of entertainers. The California Routine, preserved in the film Hellzapoppin’ is an essential part of Lindy Hop history and a great way to learn about partnered Lindy Hop routines. 


Source: http://atomicballroom.com/knowledge-base/dance-styles/California-Routine.php

California Routine Road Map (reference)

Phrase 1:

• Three swing-outs
  
• Circle
  

Phrase 2:

• Kick-ups
  
• Tuck turn
  
• Side pass
  
• 6-count stop
  
• Throw out into crazy legs
  

Phrase 3:

• Tango choreography with 2-count frog jump
  
• Tuck turn to the back
  
• Barrel turn to the front
  
• Frankie flip (AKA coat-hanger, AKA around-the-back, etc.)
  

Phrase 4:

• The part everyone fucks up (except for the Hot Shots, who are all over that. Anyway, it’s more or less slip-slop-run-run-ba-dum). (Counts vary depending on who you ask. I tend to prefer Slip [8-1] Slop [1-2] run-run [3-4] ba-dum [&5]. Other opinions may vary.)
  
• Charleston kick turns into tandem Charleston
  
• Tandem Charleston
  
• A-frame
  

Phrase 5:

• Tandem Charleston
  
• Front flip
  
• Push-out and turn into pancake aerial
  
• Exit vigorously
  

Source: http://swungover.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/pinning-down-the-california-routine/

Demo Videos

Another demo with music and demo with counts from https://lindyhopvideo.com