The Lindy Hop Intermediate's Handbook: Essential Moves and Techniques

As an intermediate Lindy Hopper, you've likely mastered the basics and are ready to take your dancing to the next level. In this blog post, we'll cover some essential moves and techniques that will help you become a more versatile and dynamic dancer.

1. The Charleston

The Charleston is a classic move that adds flair and style to your Lindy Hop. To execute it properly, follow these steps:

1. Start with your feet together and your weight on your toes.
2. Kick your right foot out to the side, then quickly bring it back to the starting position.
3. Repeat the same movement with your left foot.
4. Continue alternating between your right and left foot, keeping your movements sharp and precise.

2. The Tuck Turn

The Tuck Turn is a fundamental move that allows you to change direction quickly and smoothly. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with your feet together and your weight on your toes.
2. Step forward with your right foot, then quickly bring your left foot to meet it, tucking it behind your right foot.
3. Turn your body 90 degrees to the right as you tuck your left foot behind your right foot.
4. Step back with your left foot, then quickly bring your right foot to meet it, tucking it behind your left foot.
5. Turn your body 90 degrees to the left as you tuck your right foot behind your left foot.

3. The Lindy Circle

The Lindy Circle is a versatile move that can be used to create a variety of shapes and patterns on the dance floor. To execute it properly, follow these steps:

1. Start with your partner facing each other, holding each other's hands.
2. Step forward with your left foot, then pivot on your right foot to turn 180 degrees to the left.
3. Release your partner's hand and step back with your right foot, then pivot on your left foot to turn 180 degrees to the right.
4. Repeat the same movement, alternating between stepping forward and stepping back.

4. The Sentaway and Recovery

The Sentaway and Recovery is a playful move that adds a fun and flirtatious element to your Lindy Hop. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with your partner facing each other, holding each other's hands.
2. Send your partner away from you by releasing their hand and stepping back with your right foot.
3. As your partner moves away from you, quickly step forward with your left foot and tap your right foot next to it.
4. Reach out and grab your partner's hand, pulling them back towards you as you step back with your right foot.
5. Continue dancing together, alternating between sending your partner away and pulling them back towards you.

These are just a few of the many moves and techniques that can help you become a more skilled and expressive Lindy Hopper. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly, having fun on the dance floor!