Lindy Hop Classes

Brief History of Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop is the original swing dance that evolved in Harlem (NYC) in the late 20s and early 30s. It was somewhat of a street dance, created by African American dancers who started with the Charleston, loosened it up, invented the break away and then started doing air steps (aerials). The “Lindy Hop” was named, so the story goes, by “Shorty” George Snowden, who when asked what kind of dance they were doing, used the event of Charles Lindbergh “hopping” the Atlantic Ocean as inspiration.

Lindy Hop is now danced worldwide in most major cities. Its huge popularity can be at least partly explained by its freedom of movement, air steps, energy, and by the trad jazz and swing music that inspired the original dancers to begin with. It is very versatile, suitable for dancing to slower small combo jazz/blues tempos right up through crazy breakneck speeds of swing band and trad jazz songs.

How our classes work
We offer 3 levels of Lindy Hop classes, along with other special topics classes. Our Level 1 and 2 classes have several months of curriculum that can be taken in any order. You must take all classes in one level before moving on to the next.

Level 1a (Turns): Basic/Swingout, Circle, Tuck Turn, Inside Turn, Outside Turn, Outside Free Turn, Side Pass
Level 1b (Charleston): Basic/Swingout, Circle, Swingout from Closed, Side-by-side Charleston, Kickaway Charleston, Pancake Charleston, Butterfly Charleston

Level 2a (Turns and Better Basics): Swingout variations, Swivels (followers), Texas Tommy
Level 2b (Charleston Moves): Tandem Charleston, Push Outs, Tandem Chase Charleston
Level 2c (Lindy Vocabulary): 6-count Lindy variations, Minne Dip, footwork, styling.

Level 3: An extensive rotation of vocabulary, technique, and general fun for the advanced dancer. Teacher permission required to enter this level.