Lindy Hop isn’t just a dance—it’s a joyful rebellion against gravity. Born in the jazz clubs of Harlem in the 1920s, this partner dance has evolved into a global phenomenon that blends athleticism, playfulness, and connection. Whether you’re stepping onto the social dance floor for the first time or looking to refine your fundamentals, these essential moves will take you from tentative beginner to confident bouncer.
The Pulse: Your Secret Weapon
Before you even take a step, master the pulse—the heartbeat of Lindy Hop. Imagine you’re a marionette with a string attached to your sternum, gently bouncing to the rhythm. Knees soft, weight shifting slightly from foot to foot. This isn’t just preparation; it’s how you’ll stay connected to the music (and your partner) all night long.
1. The Swingout: Lindy Hop’s Signature Move
The swingout is to Lindy Hop what the alphabet is to language. Leaders: start in closed position, then guide your follower out with a rock step (back-step) followed by a triple step as they orbit around you. Followers: that moment when you’re led outward? That’s your invitation to stretch the connection like taffy before snapping back with momentum.
- Pro Tip: Keep your frame engaged but not rigid—think "firm handshake," not "vice grip."
- Musicality Hack: Sync your triple steps with the "uh-1, uh-2" of the swing rhythm.
2. The Tuck Turn: Your First Spin Move
When beginners master their first tuck turn, you can literally see the confidence boost. Leaders signal the turn with a slight lift of the connected hand while maintaining frame. Followers: spot your shoulder (no head-whipping!) and let your feet pivot naturally. This move shines in songs with playful pauses—try it during the breaks in "Shiny Stockings."
3. The Charleston: Vintage Vibes
No Lindy Hop repertoire is complete without the 20s Charleston. Start side-by-side with your partner, kicking forward on the "and" counts (1-and-2-and). The secret? It’s all in the opposition—when your right foot kicks, your left arm swings forward. Modern dancers often fuse this with the swingout for explosive variations.
"The Charleston is where you realize Lindy Hop is 50% dance, 50% controlled falling" — Anonymous Dancer
4. The Texas Tommy: Flashy But Functional
This showstopper looks complex but builds on fundamentals. After leading a swingout, the leader releases the follower’s right hand to guide them into an underarm turn. The magic happens in the reconnection—time it so you catch each other just as the bass drops. Warning: May cause spontaneous grinning.
5. The Sugar Push: Intimate Momentum
Unlike the expansive swingout, the sugar push keeps partners in close conversation. Rock step back, then use compression (gentle resistance) to rebound forward. Perfect for crowded floors or bluesy sections of songs. Followers: this is your chance to play with body rolls and subtle weight shifts.
2025 Trend Alert: Neo-Traditional Styling
Contemporary Lindy Hoppers are reinventing basics with micro-movements—adding a shoulder shimmy during triple steps or syncopated toe taps in place. The rule? If it feels good and doesn’t break connection, it’s probably awesome.
Putting It All Together
Great Lindy Hop isn’t about memorizing moves—it’s about learning a vocabulary to speak through movement. Try this combo at your next social dance:
- 2 swingouts (feel the momentum)
- 1 tuck turn (add flair)
- 4 counts of Charleston (change energy)
- Sugar push into closed position (bring it home)
Remember: even the most advanced dancers still practice these fundamentals. The bounce isn’t just in your knees—it’s in your attitude. Now get out there and make some happy mistakes!
