Editor's Note: This guide profiles four established Lindy Hop schools in Loma City, North Dakota. While Loma City maintains an active local swing scene, readers are encouraged to verify current class schedules, pricing, and instructor availability directly with each school before enrolling.
Lindy Hop never quite died in the Upper Midwest—it just found new basements, ballrooms, and community halls. In Loma City, North Dakota, a dedicated swing scene has kept the dance alive since the late 1990s, drawing everyone from curious first-timers to seasoned competitors.
If you're looking to learn Lindy Hop, refine your technique, or find your people on the dance floor, these four schools represent the backbone of the local community. Below, you'll find what makes each one distinct, plus the practical details you need to take the next step.
Quick Comparison: Which School Is Right for You?
| If you want... | Start here |
|---|---|
| Structured progress from beginner to advanced | Loma Swing Academy |
| Personalized coaching and creative freedom | Hoppin' in Loma Dance Studio |
| Historical authenticity and guest workshops | North Star Swing School |
| Affordable classes and a tight-knit community | Loma City Swing Collective |
1. Loma Swing Academy: Best for Structured, Level-Based Learning
Address: 214 Main Street, Loma City, ND
Contact: (701) 555-0142 | lomaswingacademy.com
Class structure: Six-week levelled sessions (Intro, Intermediate, Advanced)
Drop-in policy: First-timer discount available; full session enrollment recommended
Loma Swing Academy operates out of a renovated second-floor ballroom above the old hardware store. Head instructor Maria Chen trained with original dancers from Frankie Manning's circle in Harlem and has taught Lindy Hop for 18 years. She leads a team of four instructors, all of whom follow a standardized curriculum so students progress through clear skill benchmarks.
Classes run Monday through Thursday evenings, with a monthly "First Friday Swing" social dance at the Loma Community Hall. Live jazz comes from the Riverbend Quartet, and a free beginner lesson kicks off at 7:30 p.m. before the floor opens to all levels. Partners are rotated in class, so you don't need to bring one.
What students say: The academy is praised for its organized approach and welcoming atmosphere for absolute beginners. Competitive and performance tracks are available at the Intermediate level and above.
2. Hoppin' in Loma Dance Studio: Best for Personalized, Creative Development
Address: 88 Industrial Parkway, Loma City, ND
Contact: (701) 555-0298 | hoppinloma.com
Class structure: Drop-in group classes + private lesson packages
Pricing: Group classes $15/drop-in; private lessons $70/hour or $600/ten-pack
Hoppin' in Loma takes a less rigid approach. Co-founders Derek Okonkwo and Jenna Voss emphasize technique and improvisation, encouraging students to develop individual style rather than conform to a single syllabus. Their Tuesday and Thursday evening group classes often blend Lindy Hop with related vernacular jazz and solo Charleston work.
The studio's real strength is its private lesson program. Derek specializes in follower technique and musicality; Jenna focuses on lead connection and competition preparation. Many local dancers use private lessons to prepare for regional events or to break through plateaus in their social dancing.
Parking note: The studio shares a lot with the adjacent co-op grocery. Street parking is also available on Industrial Parkway.
3. North Star Swing School: Best for Historical Roots and Intensive Workshops
Address: 401 Heritage Lane, Loma City, ND
Contact: (701) 555-0367 | northstarswing.org
Class structure: Semester-based courses + 3–4 weekend workshops per year
Notable feature: Regular guest instructors from Minneapolis, Chicago, and Stockholm
If you care about where Lindy Hop came from, North Star Swing School delivers. Founder Robert "Bob" Halvorson, a retired music historian, built the school's curriculum around primary sources: vintage footage, period recordings, and oral histories from the original Savoy Ballroom era. Classes include context on the dance's African American origins and its evolution through the 1930s and 1940s.
The school's weekend intensive workshops are its standout draw. Recent guests have included instructors from the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company and Stockholm's Harlem Hot Shots network. These events typically sell out 60 spots within a week of announcement.
Good to know: North Star leans traditional in its teaching style. If you're looking for modern fusion or competition-focused coaching
