Lindy Hop is a spirited and exuberant jazz dance that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York City. It is considered the “original” swing dance, and is renowned for its lively, improvisational style, and its infectious energy. Lindy Hop is often associated with the swing era and is characterized by its dynamic, rhythmic movements and joyful expression.
Footwork
Lindy Hop features a mix of fast footwork, acrobatic aerial moves, and dynamic patterns. Dancers execute a wide variety of steps, including swingouts, tuck turns, and spins, all performed with a strong sense of rhythm and musicality. The dance incorporates both 6-count and 8-count patterns, allowing for versatility in choreography.
Hold and Connection
Lindy Hop switches fluidly between open and closed positions, and has many patterns that explore shadow and side by side positions, among others. Partners maintain a comfortable but firm connection through their upper bodies. The core “move” of Lindy Hop is the swing out, where partners start in open and then transition to closed as they move around each other, before returning to open position once again. The connection in Lindy Hop is essential for lead and follow, as it facilitates communication between partners during spontaneous movements and improvisations.
Origin
Lindy Hop originated in the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of Harlem, New York City, during the 1920s. It evolved from a fusion of African-American jazz dance, various partner dance styles of the time such as the Turkey Trot, and the Charleston, resulting in a unique and exciting dance form. The name "Lindy Hop" is believed to have been inspired by Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, which captured the imagination of the era.
Fun Aspects
Lindy Hop is known for its sense of playfulness and spontaneity. Like many other vernacular partner dances, the dancers often incorporate improvisational movements, making each performance unique. The dance allows for creativity and individual expression, encouraging dancers to infuse their personality and style into their movements. Lindy Hop is social in nature, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among dancers.
Music
Lindy Hop is typically danced to upbeat swing jazz music, with tempos ranging from medium to fast. The music features a strong, swinging rhythm with brass instruments and a driving beat that inspires energetic dancing. Iconic songs from the swing era, such as Lionel Hampton’s “Flying Home”, Count Basie’s “One o’Clock Jump”, and Duke Ellington’s “Rocking’ in Rhythm,” are popular choices for Lindy Hop.
Venues
Lindy Hop can be enjoyed in various settings, from social dance clubs and parties to weekend dance camps and competitions. One of the biggest competitions, the International Lindy Hop Championships, is held every May in Harlem, New York City. Swing dance festivals and workshops offer opportunities for dancers to learn and celebrate Lindy Hop with like-minded enthusiasts, often to live music that a dancer cannot find at their local dance night. The dance has a vibrant and global community, with Lindy Hoppers gathering in various cities around the world to share their passion for swing dancing.