So you’ve caught the Lindy Hop bug—that infectious energy, the joyful connection, the sheer fun of swing dancing. But now you’re eyeing the pro scene. Maybe you dream of teaching, competing, or performing under those bright lights. Here’s the truth: going from social dancer to professional requires more than just passion. It demands mastery of fundamentals, musicality, and that intangible "swing" that separates good dancers from great ones.
These are the steps that’ll build your foundation and elevate your dancing to pro level.
The Non-Negotiable Foundation
The Swingout (and Its Many Personalities)
Consider this your Lindy Hop fingerprint—no two dancers swing out exactly alike. Pros don’t just execute swingouts; they converse with them. Drill these variations:
- Basic Swingout: Perfect your 6-count and 8-count versions until muscle memory kicks in
- Momentum Swingout: That delicious stretch-and-compress feeling? That’s gold
- Side-by-Side Swingout: Essential for performance choreography
Pro tip: Film yourself weekly. Does your swingout look dynamic at 100bpm and 300bpm?
Texas Tommy: The Showstopper
This flashy move separates social dancers from performers. The key? That wrist release timing. Practice it:
- With tension (but not death grip)
- At double time
- Ending in tandem Charleston for seamless transitions
Musicality Makers
Rhythm Circles: Your Secret Weapon
Most beginners overlook this subtle step, but pros use it to:
- Buy time during fast tempos
- Highlight brass sections
- Reset connection with a new partner
Practice layering triple steps over the circular footwork.
Boogie Forward/Back: The Groove Amplifier
When you see dancers who just ooze swing? They’ve mastered this. Use it to:
- Interpret walking bass lines
- Transition into apple jacks
- Build tension before a break
Performance Essentials
Air Steps (Yes, Really)
Before you protest—we’re not talking full aerials. Start with:
- Pop Turns: That Instagram-worthy moment? It begins here
- Butterflies: The safest aerial to learn first
- Partnered Jumps: Synchronized bounce for crowd-pleasing moments
Safety first: Always practice over mats with an experienced spotter.
Stolen Moves from Other Dances
Today’s Lindy pros borrow shamelessly. Try blending:
- Balboa’s footwork for lightning-fast tempos
- Tap dance rhythms in your solo breaks
- Contemporary dance lifts (modified for swingouts)
Beyond the Steps: Pro Mindset
Musical Chameleon Drill
Play these back-to-back and adapt your dancing:
- Fletcher Henderson’s "Hotter Than ‘Ell" (1930s hot jazz)
- Indigo Swing’s "All Aboard" (neo-swing)
- Electro Swing remix of "Sing Sing Sing"
Pros don’t have one style—they have adaptability.
The 30-Second Challenge
Next social dance: Pick one move from this list and:
- Use it with 5 different partners
- Vary the timing each time
- Notice how each connection changes it
Remember—the Harlem dancers who invented Lindy Hop were innovators, not replicators. Master these steps, then make them yours. That’s when you’ll stop doing Lindy Hop... and start being Lindy Hop.
Now get out there and swing out like the rent’s due tomorrow.
