FAQ

Lindy Hop is a dance invented in Harlem, New York in the 1930’s. It was considered outrageous in its day, breaking the traditions of ballroom and actually allowing the partners to dance sometimes without holding on to each other! Lindy Hop is danced with attitude but most of all with a great big smile.

It could be described as the link between Charleston and Rock & Roll Jive as it retains some elements of Charleston in eight count footwork as well as 6 count jive footwork. Lindy Hop is also sometimes known as Jitterbug.

At Swing Thing we teach complete beginners and intermediates. You’ll learn partnered and solo dances (known as strolls and shim-shams). Our main aim is to teach you social dancing. If you’ve ever been to a burlesque club or a jazz club and wondered what the cool cats were dancing - chances are they were dancing Lindy Hop.

Lindy Hop is traditionally danced to the music of the big bands of the 1940’s such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman but is perfectly adaptable for more modern sounds such as Caro Emerald and Electro Swing

For more information on wikipedia

What is Swing Thing?

Swing Thing is a dance club run by Carol and John Turner, that’s John on the left and Carol on the right!

We teach you to dance and we arrange events such as social dances, live music and performances.

We love the music and style of the twenties through to the fifties, we have been dancing and performing for about seven years; we’ve performed for the BBC as dance extras and on stage at various venues. Classes are taught either by John & Carol or specially invited guest teachers. Both of us work full time in the real world so it is best to contact us by email at anytime or by phone in the evenings and weekends.

Swing Thing is run for the love of the dance, as a not for profit club (we don’t pay ourselves a wage), and all monies taken are for the use of our club and to promote Lindy Hop.

I have never danced before - can I learn to Lindy Hop?

Yes, we welcome new dancers, Lindy Hop has many unique moves so dancing experience is not necessary.

If you’re unsure about learning just contact us or come down to one of our regular classes and watch a lesson for free (but expect to be encouraged to have a go!).

Is it hard to learn?

In all honesty it is a little more tricky (and ultimately more satisfying!) than other forms of jive to learn, but once mastered you will find you can dance to anything from 1920’s Charleston all the way through to more modern music such as ‘Candy Man’ by Christina Aguilera.

How much does it cost?

The cost of our standard classes are £6.00 for the whole evening including social dancing afterwards. Our workshops are priced on an individual basis - check our news page for up and coming events.

Your first (introductory) lesson is half price (£3.00!), and you are always welcome to visit us, relax with a drink from the bar and watch for free.

I have been going to Modern Jive. Is it worth me learning Lindy Hop?

Oh yes yes yes! Modern Jive has taken some Lindy Hop (and other Jive dance) moves and simplified them. We feel that Lindy has so much more to offer, but then we are biased! If you enjoy Modern Jive and the music of the 1940’s then we recommend you get your tushy down to your nearest Lindy hop class!

But I haven’t got a partner!

Our partnered dancing is taught on a rotation basis, also dances such as the Shim-Sham and strolls do not require a partner.

But I have two left feet!

Sorry, that’s no excuse! Apparently so did John when he first started, if you can count to eight you can dance the Lindy Hop! As previously mentioned it’s not an instant fix and some moves will be more of a challenge, but the basics can be mastered in a couple of lessons.

There are no ‘Lindy Police’ and there are no hard and fast rules once you have learnt the basics, we teach so you can dance freestyle social dancing and so you can ‘lead and follow’

We teach a 10 week rotation for beginners, and you’re very welcome to drop in at any time. If you do wish to start at the very beginning please contact us for the next start date for a rotation.

If you want inspiration of what can be achieved with two left feet read all about the Brazilian footballer Garrincha, There is a saying in Brazil - "Pele was the best, but Garrincha was better".

What is Lead and Follow?

In partnered dancing the leader decides the moves and the follower reacts to them. It is important that the leader sends clear signals and the follower knows how to read them. All of this is taught in our classes.

Is it boring being a Follower?

Not at all, the follower is the “show off” half of a partnership, all will become clear if you decide to learn Lindy Hop.

What age range is Lindy Hop suitable for?

All ages, some dances are fast and energetic, and some like the Londoner Stroll are easy and quite slow, it all depends on the music you’re dancing to. Some of the moves in Lindy Hop are often quite subtle and very stylish.

What should I wear at a class?

Flat shoes with support and comfortable loose clothing.

Where can I find out about up and coming events?

Try our news page.

Will I learn to throw my partner over my head like I have seen on YouTube?

Not with us! These moves are known as aerials or air steps. We teach social dancing and it is not considered good etiquette to perform aerials in that situation. However if you wish to learn aerials we can point you in the right direction. Hellzappopin’

Will I have to do performances?

No, we always welcome anyone who wants to do performance work, but there is no pressure.

Once I have mastered Lindy Hop what then?

We run various workshops in other styles, including Balboa, Shag, 1920’s Charleston, Rock & Roll Jive, Ballroom and even Bollywood style!

I would love to learn Lindy Hop but don’t live near you, are there classes near me?

More than likely, we have danced all over the country, check our links page and don’t forget to tell them that we set you!

I want to learn a dance for my wedding - can you help?

Yes, providing the music you want to dance to is suitable for swing dancing. We are happy to discuss your requirements and point you in the right direction if swing dance is not suitable for you.

Is a little Jive good for you?

We think so! Click here to go to the Swing Thing clinic

You haven’t listed my question here!

Then please contact us!

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