So you’ve nailed the basics of Lindy Hop—your swingouts are smooth, your triple steps are tight, and you’ve even started playing with musicality. Now it’s time to take your dance to the next level. Mastering advanced Lindy Hop isn’t just about flashy moves; it’s about deepening your connection, refining your technique, and expanding your creative vocabulary. Here are the essential advanced moves and concepts that will elevate your swing.
1. The Texas Tommy: Classic with a Twist
This vintage move adds drama and flair to your dance. The key is in the lead’s wrist rotation and the follow’s controlled spin. Pro tip: Initiate the rotation after the rock step for smoother execution.
2. Swivels That Sizzle (For Follows & Leads!)
Advanced swivels aren’t just for follows anymore. Incorporate swivels into your Charleston, your send-outs, and even your basic pulse. The secret? Engage your core and let your hips initiate the movement.
- Start with 4-count swivel drills
- Add swivels during side-by-side Charleston
- Experiment with asymmetrical swivel patterns
3. Dynamic Aerials (Safe and Social Floor-Friendly)
Forget what you’ve seen in vintage clips—modern advanced aerials are about micro-moments of flight that work even on crowded social floors. The Pop Turn (a mini aerial where the follow pops up just enough to rotate 180 degrees) is a crowd-pleaser that won’t take out nearby dancers.
4. The Art of the Slow Swingout
Mastering slow tempos reveals your true technical skill. Try this drill:
- Dance a swingout at 100 BPM
- Gradually slow to 80 BPM while maintaining the same energy
- Focus on continuous momentum (no "pausing" between counts)
This builds the control needed for bluesy, soulful Lindy expressions.
5. Rhythmic Variations: Beyond the Triple Step
Advanced dancers play with timing like jazz musicians. Experiment with:
Syncopated Kick Ball Changes
Replace counts 3-4 with a delayed kick-step
Double-Time Charleston
Explode into twice the speed for 2 measures
Holding the "&"
Suspend movement on upbeats for dramatic effect
Putting It All Together
Remember: Advanced Lindy Hop isn’t about collecting moves—it’s about developing the skills to make every movement intentional, connected, and musical. The best dancers aren’t those who know the most patterns, but those who can listen deeply to their partner and the music.
"Play the space between the notes—that’s where Lindy truly lives." — Anonymous Savoy Dancer
Ready to dive deeper? Bookmark these moves and practice one per week. Film yourself monthly to track progress!
