Just off the Palatine Road corridor, the Lindy Loft has been teaching swing dance to Hoffman Estates locals since 2014. Whether you're a complete novice with two left feet or a seasoned dancer looking to compete, our comprehensive curriculum gives you a clear path forward—with a community that makes every step worth it.
Is Swing Dance for You?
Yes. If you can walk and count to eight, you can swing dance.
We hear the same concerns every week: "I don't have a partner." "I have no rhythm." "I'm too old to start." Our beginner classes are built for absolute first-timers. Students range from college-aged to retirees, and we rotate partners throughout every class—so showing up solo is not just accepted, it's expected. No special shoes required: anything with a smooth sole that won't stick to the floor works perfectly.
Our Curriculum: Three Levels, One Clear Path
Most students spend 8–12 weeks at each level before advancing, though you progress at your own pace.
Beginner Level: East Coast Swing Foundations
This is where your swing dance journey starts. Over the course of the session, you'll master:
- The basic 6-count footwork and triple-step timing
- Leading and following fundamentals
- A solid repertoire of starter moves: the send-out, pass-by, tuck turn, and basic closed-position combinations
By the end of beginner level, you'll feel confident stepping onto any social dance floor.
Intermediate Level: Lindy Hop, Charleston & Styling
Once your fundamentals are automatic, it's time to expand your vocabulary. Intermediate students branch into Lindy Hop's classic 8-count patterns and the high-energy kicks of 1920s Charleston. You'll also learn:
- Connection techniques for seamless partner communication
- Styling that matches your personality and the music
- How to adapt your dancing to faster and slower tempos
This is where dancers stop memorizing sequences and start dancing.
Advanced Level: Aerial Prep, Performance & Improvisation
For dancers ready to go pro, our advanced classes focus on real-world skills:
- Aerial prep and safe lift technique
- Competition choreography and judging criteria
- Social-floor improvisation and musicality breakdowns
Our advanced students regularly perform at regional events and have placed at competitions from Chicago to St. Louis.
Meet Your Instructors
Our teaching team brings decades of combined experience to the northwest suburbs.
Marcus Delgado, lead instructor and co-founder of Lindy Loft, has competed at the International Lindy Hop Championships and taught over 500 students across Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, and Palatine. Elena Voss, our intermediate and advanced specialist, spent six years with a professional touring dance company and brings a choreographer's eye to every class.
Community & Events
Classes are just the beginning. We keep the dance floor warm with:
- Weekly Social Dances: Every Friday night, 8 p.m.–midnight, with live DJs spinning vintage jazz and swing
- Monthly Workshops: Deep dives into topics like fast Lindy, blues fusion, and vintage styling
- The Annual Frostbite Frolic: Our winter showcase and social dance, drawing dancers from across Chicagoland
These events are where friendships form, skills sharpen, and the real joy of swing dance comes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a partner? No. We rotate partners in every class, and many of our regulars come alone.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothes you can move in and shoes with smooth soles. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers or anything too grippy.
How much do classes cost? Beginner sessions run $95 for an 8-week course. Drop-in social dances are $10, or $5 for students with ID. Your first beginner class is free.
Where are you located? 1900 Hassell Road, Suite 150, Hoffman Estates—just east of Higgins Road, with free parking in the rear lot.
Join Us on the Dance Floor
Whether you're driving from Arlington Heights, working in Schaumburg, or walking distance from our Hassell Road studio, our doors are open.
Your first beginner class is free. Lace up your dance shoes—we'll save you a spot on the floor.
