Have you heard of Lindy Hop?
The “Lindy Hop” is a dance that originated in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s –in Harlem, New York City. This style is a fusion of many different dances but takes most of its inspiration from jazz, tap, breakaway, and Charleston. While often described as a jazz dance, Lindy Hop is also a member of the swing dance family, although it originated as street dance!
The dance itself can be wild and spontaneous or cool and sophisticated –depending on the interpretation. The most important feature of this dance, of course –is that you dance with your partner to the music!
While the exact origin of the Lindy Hop dance is uncertain, this dance was born from blending African rhythms and movements with European structured dance. Together, this created a dance style that swept the world off its feet. Today, this dance can be found in thriving communities throughout the world, in almost every large, westernized city.
With this in mind, let’s look at a few facts about Lindy Hop –and see if this dance is something that interests you!
1. The Dance is Named After a Famous Aviator
Lindy Hop gets its name from a prominent aviator of that era known as Charles Lindbergh –or, “Lucky Lindy.” He was renowned for his nonstop flight from New York to Paris. During this time, a dance marathon was also taking place. George Snowden, one of the dancers, was asked what he was dancing. Not knowing how to reply George was quoted as saying that he was dancing “The hop, The Lindy hop.” The name appeared in the newspapers the next day, and since then it has been used to refer to this dance style.
2. Lindy Hop is Often Called Jitterbug
Lindy Hop is often called the Jitterbug –and the two dances are so similar that it’s easy to see why! But the exact differences between these two dances are largely a matter of debate. In fact, even respected jazz historian, Ernie Smith sees them as relative terms –and today, many dance studios use the terms swing, jitterbug, and Lindy Hop interchangeably. Although many dance connoisseurs consider swing dancing to be the genre, and uaw jitterbugging to refer to a bouncy, six-count variant of the Lindy Hop. Learn more about the history of Lindy Hop and Jitterbug.
3. Lindy Hop Has Traveled in Unconventional Ways
Lindy Hop spread across the world in movies such as Keep Punchin’ and A Day at the Races. When WWII hit, the traveling soldiers brought the dance with them and it gained popularity. Lindy Hop fell out of style for a while but experienced a revival the 1980’s with American, Swedish, and British dancers alike, and today it’s represented by dancers across the world. While the dance has changed somewhat since the early days, the key elements of self-expression, improvisation, energy, rhythm, and swing are all very much still intact.
4. Lindy Hop is a Social Dance
Lindy Hop is a very social dance! With a core tempo of 120–180 beats per minute, partners are connected smoothly to each other, while relating to the music in improvisation. Lindy Hop can also be used as a competitive or performance dance.
5. Lindy Hop Connects People Around the World
Lindy Hop is a popular dance that has gained the attention of people around the world. There are routine gatherings and large events worldwide, including classes and competitions to live music. This dance brings those together who share a common interest: the Lindy Hop.
Ready to give Lindy Hop a Try? Find dance studios and classes in your area at Dance Hub today!
