How to Perform a Lindy Hop Swing Dance Move

The Lindy Hop is a particular form of swing dance that originated in Harlem at the Savoy Ballroom during the late 1920s. Though the moves that can be done while doing the Lindy Hop are quite varied, there are 2 particular pieces that must be in place in order for the dance to be a genuine Lindy Hop. First, you can only dance the Lindy Hop to music in what is called "Duple Meter." Though still in 4/4 time, Duple Meter is sped up by using 8 eighth notes per measure, as opposed to the usual 4 quarter notes per measure. The other item is a signature move that all Lindy Hop swing dances incorporate, which is easy to learn and can be used at any point during your dance routine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Frame your body properly with your partner, holding your elbows at your side. The lead will hold out his hands palm-side up, while the follow will reach out with palms down and will gently grasp the lead's hands.

2. Lean into each other's hands so you are supporting each other. You should perform a Lindy Hop swing dance by moving almost exclusively from the waist down, so you will need the support your partner provides to accomplish these moves.

3. Begin with a rock step. Every Lindy Hop move begins with the rock step, which is where the left foot steps back about 8 inches on the first beat. Your weight should shift back with your foot to create a rocking motion from the waist down.

4. Complete the rock step by shifting your weight back to the right foot as you bring your left foot back to its original position next to your other foot.

5. Step quickly with your left foot and alternate with your right to create a triple step. This is a rapid succession of left-right-left where no forward, sideways or backward motion is made. Perform this step through beats 3 and 4.

6. Step right about 15 inches with your right foot on beat 5.

7. Bring your left foot together with your right foot on beat 6.

8. Triple-step, beginning with the right foot (right-left-right), on beats 7 and 8. This should be done in place.

Tips & Warnings

• The basic step of the Lindy Hop is hardly ever seen in practice without some kind of flourish or embellished move. Learning the basic step, however, will allow your body to become accustomed to the movement of the music and will help you build up your skills to perform more exciting routines.