So, you’ve mastered the basics of Lindy Hop. You’re comfortable with your swingouts, your triple steps are smooth, and you’ve got a solid repertoire of moves under your belt. But now, you’re ready to take your dancing to the next level. Welcome to the world of intermediate and advanced Lindy Hop! This is where the magic happens—where creativity, musicality, and technique come together to create something truly special.
1. Refining Your Swingout
The swingout is the cornerstone of Lindy Hop, and at the intermediate to advanced level, it’s all about refining and personalizing it. Focus on your connection with your partner, your frame, and your body movement. Experiment with variations like tuck turns, inside turns, and swivel variations. Pay attention to how you can use your core to lead or follow more effectively, and don’t forget to play with timing and rhythm to add your own flair.
2. Mastering Syncopations
Syncopations are the secret sauce of advanced Lindy Hop. They add complexity and excitement to your dancing. Start by incorporating simple syncopated steps into your basic moves, like adding a quick triple step or a pause in unexpected places. As you get more comfortable, try more intricate patterns, such as syncopated passes or rhythmic variations in your Charleston. Remember, syncopations are all about playing with the music, so listen closely and let the rhythm guide you.
3. Exploring Aerials and Air Steps
While aerials and air steps are flashy and fun, they require a strong foundation in technique and trust between partners. Start with basic air steps like the butterfly or overhead flip, and always practice with a spotter or in a safe environment. As you progress, you can experiment with more advanced moves like the back-to-back or barrel roll. Safety and communication are key—never attempt an aerial without proper preparation and consent from your partner.
4. Developing Your Musicality
Musicality is what separates good dancers from great dancers. At the advanced level, it’s not just about hitting the breaks—it’s about interpreting the music in a way that feels authentic to you. Practice dancing to different styles of jazz, from fast-paced swing to slow, bluesy tunes. Pay attention to the instruments and how they interact, and try to reflect that in your movement. Experiment with phrasing, dynamics, and improvisation to make your dancing more expressive.
5. Building a Stronger Connection
Connection is the heart of Lindy Hop. At the advanced level, it’s not just about leading and following—it’s about creating a dialogue with your partner. Work on your tension and compression, and practice maintaining a consistent connection throughout your moves. Explore counterbalance and weight sharing to add depth to your dancing. Remember, a strong connection allows for more creativity and spontaneity on the dance floor.
6. Expanding Your Vocabulary
As you progress, it’s important to keep expanding your move vocabulary. Learn new patterns like the Texas Tommy, Savoy Kick, or Jig Walks. But don’t just memorize the steps—focus on how you can adapt and combine them in different ways. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the more versatile and creative you can be.
7. Practicing Solo Jazz
Solo jazz is an essential part of advanced Lindy Hop. It helps you develop your rhythm, style, and body awareness. Practice classic steps like the Shim Sham, Tranky Doo, and Big Apple, and experiment with adding your own variations. Solo jazz also improves your ability to improvise and express yourself on the dance floor.
8. Dancing with Different Partners
One of the best ways to grow as a dancer is to dance with a variety of partners. Each person brings a unique style and energy to the dance, and adapting to different partners will improve your lead/follow skills and make you a more versatile dancer. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and dance with people of all levels—you’ll learn something new every time.
9. Taking Risks and Having Fun
Finally, don’t forget to have fun! Advanced Lindy Hop is about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it doesn’t work out perfectly. The best dancers are the ones who embrace the joy of the dance and let their personality shine through.
Remember, the journey from intermediate to advanced Lindy Hop is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy the process, and keep dancing. See you on the floor!
