Lindy Hop is a classic dance that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for decades. With its roots in African American culture, Lindy Hop has evolved over time to incorporate a wide range of styles and variations. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular Lindy Hop variations and how they add to the diversity of this beloved dance.
Savoy Style
The Savoy Style is named after the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York, where many of the original Lindy Hop dancers got their start. This style is characterized by its fast pace, high energy, and acrobatic moves, such as the "airplane" and the "hop."
Hollywood Style
The Hollywood Style emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, when Lindy Hop was popularized by movies and television. This style is more polished and refined than the Savoy Style, with an emphasis on smooth, elegant movements and precise footwork.
Balboa
Balboa is a variation of Lindy Hop that originated in California. It's characterized by its close embrace and quick, small steps, making it ideal for dancing in tight spaces. Balboa is known for its smooth, fluid movements and is often danced to slower music.
Shag
Shag is a high-energy variation of Lindy Hop that originated in the 1920s and 1930s. It's characterized by its fast, syncopated steps and its use of "shine" moves, which are performed by the lead dancer while the follow dancer stays in place.
Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag is a variation of Shag that was popularized in the 1940s and 1950s. It's characterized by its fast, energetic movements and its use of "air steps," which involve the dancers briefly leaving the ground.
These are just a few of the many variations of Lindy Hop that have emerged over the years. Each variation brings something unique to the dance, making it a diverse and exciting form of expression that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
