Beyond the Basics: 4 Intermediate Lindy Hop Techniques to Elevate Your Dancing

Swing dance has exploded in popularity, with social dance floors filling from Brooklyn to Berlin. But once you've mastered the six-count basic and can survive a full song without stepping on your partner's toes, you might wonder: what's next?

This guide bridges the gap between beginner social dancing and intermediate technique. We'll focus specifically on Lindy Hop—the original swing dance that emerged from Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the 1930s—clarifying common misconceptions and giving you concrete next steps for your training.

Quick clarification: "Swing dance" is an umbrella term encompassing distinct styles (Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Balboa, Collegiate Shag). Each has unique technique, timing, and culture. This article addresses Lindy Hop specifically, the most common starting point for new dancers.

1. The Swing Out: Your Gateway to Intermediate Dancing

If you've only learned six-count patterns, the swing out will transform your dancing. This eight-count pattern is the DNA of Lindy Hop—every advanced move builds from its architecture.

What makes it challenging:

Training approach:

Start at 60% speed (approximately 100 BPM). The pattern breaks down as: rock step, triple step, step-step, triple step—with the critical "away" lead happening on counts 1-2. Only increase tempo when you can execute cleanly without verbal counting.

Once consistent, explore variations: the Texas Tommy (adding an arm twist), the Sugar Push (a six-count compression variation), or swing out with outside turn.

2. Partnered Charleston: Precision at Speed

Solo Charleston's wild kicks are Instagram-famous, but partnered Charleston demands a different skill set: synchronized weight changes, shared axis control, and tethered footwork that looks effortless at 200+ BPM.

Key techniques to master:

The Kick-Through (Tandem Charleston)

• Partners align in front-to-back position
• Lead initiates kick on count 1; follow matches on count 3
• Critical: maintain consistent hand connection through palm-to-palm or waist hold

Hand-to-Hand Transitions

• Switching from side-by-side to facing positions
• Requires precise weight distribution—practice with a metronome at 180 BPM before attempting social dance tempos (200–220 BPM)

Pro tip: Charleston's 20s and 30s variations use different footwork patterns. Specify which you're learning when taking classes.

3. The Whip: Understanding Style Context

Here's where many dancers get confused. "The Whip" refers to a specific six-count pattern in West Coast Swing—a separate dance style with slotted movement and blues-influenced timing. It's not a Lindy Hop move.

However, Lindy Hop has analogous momentum-based patterns worth mastering:

• The Lindy Circle: Maintaining closed position through rotational eight-count
• The Barrel Roll: A traveling turn pattern using centrifugal force
• The Promenade: Open-position traveling with directional changes

Why this matters: Showing up to a Lindy Hop social and asking someone to "whip" will confuse your partner. Knowing style distinctions helps you find appropriate instruction and dance communities.

4. Aerials: Training Protocols and Safety

Aerials (or "air steps") are undeniably spectacular. They're also where injuries happen most frequently in swing dance.

⚠️ Critical safety warning: Never attempt aerials without professional instruction. Never practice on concrete or hard floors. Never perform aerials on crowded social dance floors—this endangers you, your partner, and bystanders.

Prerequisites before attempting entry-level aerials:

Common beginner aerials:

• The Back Flip (Frog Jump): Flyer tucks and rotates backward over base's shoulder
• The Over-the-Back: Flyer launches from base's hip, clearing their back

Mandatory training environment: Professional dance studio with sprung floors,