1. Hop 'Til You Drop
The Lindy Hop has gained recent popularity and first started in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem in the Savoy Room. As big bands began to play all over the country, the Lindy Hop spread like wildfire, and everyone wanted to do Lindy swing dancing. Although related to the jitterbug, the Lindy is a bit more complicated and is often taught as a ballroom dance. Whereas, related swing dances have a six count rhythm, the Lindy uses an eight count rhythm so it is more complex. Do Lindy swing dancing if you want more of a challenge. The basic eight count Lindy step involves a series of single steps, triple steps and a back step with a slight turn. The eight count steps follow a one, two, three and four; five, six, seven and eight pattern.
2. Swing Out, Sister
Add more turns to do Lindy swing dancing and have even more fun. From a closed position, begin a swing out to do Lindy swing dancing. It involves a series of traveling steps and shuffles as you turn. This move is also called a Lindy throw out. The eight count steps typically follow a one, two, three and four; five and six; seven and eight pattern. Next work on a swing out from an open position to do Lindy swing dancing. This is also called a Lindy whip, and the footwork is similar to the throw out. Both swing out steps involve lots of turning and the same eight count pattern.
3. Revel in a Round About
Lindy circle step, also called circle back together, is another staple turn when you do Lindy swing dancing. Start with an open position and return to a closed position during the circle step. Using the same footwork and eight count pattern used in Swing Outs, simply circle around together 180 degrees.
4. Double Trouble
Advance to a double tuck turn to do Lindy swing dancing. In double tuck turns, the leader assists the follower in a double turn with his raised arm. Starting from a closed position, the leader gently pushes the follower forward while raising his hand and holding hers. The follower then spins around twice under the leader's hand. As soon as her spin is complete, the leader does a double stomp step. The footwork is consistent with the throw out turn and whip turn footing and follows the eight count pattern.
5. Charleston, Baby
Incorporate other types of moves to do Lindy swing dancing, such as those found in the Charleston. Following the same eight count pattern, start by holding one hand with your partner, and then coming out of a back step turn away from your held hands to kick in the opposite direction. Next, quickly switch your hand hold to opposite hands, turn and kick the other way. Repeat the kick series to each side. Let go of your hands and kick away from each other while each completing a full circle as you continue to kick around. End on another back step (or rock step).
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