Lindy Hop
lin·dy hop
verb, noun | the joyful syncopation of two souls enjoying a conversation with dance steps
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop evolved out of the Charleston dance craze of the 1920s and was developed in the iconic dance halls of Harlem in New York City, like the Roseland and the legendary Savoy Ballroom. Lindy Hop incorporates 6-count and 8-count rhythms, and is danced to a wide range of tempos, from slow, soulful tunes to fast, high-energy tracks. As one of the most dynamic and exciting partner dances ever created, Lindy Hop spread across the country and around the world during the 1930s and 1940s, and was seen in films such as Hellzapoppin’ and A Day At The Races.
Lindy Hop’s popularity waned in the post-war years, but never disappeared; many of the great dancers continued to teach and perform in the decades that followed. A major resurgence began in the early 1980s, when original-era dancers such as such as Frankie Manning, Al Minns, Mama Lu Parks, Norma Miller, and more, were asked to travel the world and share their stories and expertise with a new generation of enthusiasts. Today, thriving Lindy Hop communities can be found in practically every major city in the world, with major dance events occurring every weekend! Classes We Offer
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Learn the basic rhythms and movements of Lindy Hop, using 6 count rhythms and movements as they relate to the history of this great dance.
**Take this class before taking Lindy 1
No prerequisites/No dance experience required.
Classes are a 5-week series, and take a week off between sessions.
*Wondering what role to dance? Partner dancing has a Lead and Follow.
- The Lead/Leader is the person suggesting the moves and rhythms by initiating their follower's momentum.
- The Follow/Follower is the person who completes the moves and shapes within the rhythm suggested by the leader, often adding styling and rhythmic variations to beautify the overall movement.
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Learn the basic rhythms and movements of Lindy Hop, including 8 count moves and incorporating 6 count rhythms, swing outs and variations, and more of the history of this great dance.
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Swing (or equivalent,) comfortable with 6-count Lindy Hop patterns and basic 6-count moves and turns.
Classes are a 5-week series, and take a week off between sessions.
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*Level 2 classes can be taken in any order*
Explore more Lindy Hop moves and rhythms, including classic moves from the original dancers, Charleston, musicality ideas, and our favorite Lindy Hop moves and stylings!
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to Swing, Lindy 1/Comfortable moving through and between 6- and 8-count patterns on the social floor and a variety of tempos.
Classes are a 5-week series, and take a week off between sessions.
Lindy 2A: Introduction to Charleston movement, including partnered and solo Charleston movements, variations and stylings. Charleston is one of the essential rhythms of Lindy Hop, and what Lindy Hop historically grew from in the late 1920s.
Lindy 2B: Explore more Lindy Hop moves and rhythms, focusing on sugar pushes and switches, as well as numerous ways to styles these classic moves!
Lindy 2C: Further exploration of solo and partnered Charleston movements, variations and stylings. Charleston is one of the essential rhythms of Lindy Hop, and what Lindy Hop historically grew from in the late 1920s.
Lindy 2D: Explore classic moves from the original dancers like Frankie Manning, Dean Collins, and Jean Veloz, as well as some of our favorite Lindy Hop moves and stylings! Classes will cover a variety of moves, like Texas Tommy, Grouchos, flash kicks, and quick stops.
Lindy 2E: Explore personal style and musical influences through this musicality and stylings focused session. Classes will examine how to listen to the music with intentionality, allowing it to influence rhythmic and styling choices. Students will learn some of our favorite stylings to use throughout their social dancing.
Let’s Dance
Questions? Comments? Ideas? We’d love to hear from you!