Let’s Swing NJ

Brief History of Lindy Hop

The Lindy Hop (or Lindy) is a partner dance created by Black Americans in the 1920’s and 30’s, first danced in the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. The dance is considered a cultural phenomenon that broke through the race barrier when segregation was still the norm. It has enjoyed a revival since the mid 1980’s, when Swing Legend Frankie Manning, an influential choreographer and performer of the era, was rediscovered. Now the Lindy Hop and other Swing dances and variations are part of a world wide trend to get back on the dance floor.

Lindy Hop consists of both 8 and 6 count steps that can be danced to the medium or slow tempos of Big Band and Swing music. There are also sub genres and variations danced to faster music such as the Partner Charleston, Acrobatic Lindy and Vernacular Solo Jazz. The dance can be wild and spontaneous or it can be cool and sophisticated. The most important aspects of it are that it is danced with your partner, to the music, and that you enjoy it!

Here at Let’s Swing NJ, our goal is to spread the joy of Lindy Hop to all who are interested. We are a safe, inclusive, welcoming dance community. We host social dances with live band music twice a month in Madison NJ. We also offer affordable lessons for Lindy Hop beginners and more experienced dancers throughout the year. We offer a full schedule of events.

For more information and history of Lindy Hop and Frankie Manning:
https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/frankie-manning
https://www.lindycircle.com/history/lindy_hop/