On this page we want to give you an overview about swing dancing, today and in the past.

Swing is an authentic American art form. Born in Harlem to its parent the Charleston, the term Swing originally referred to the music. Swing commonly refers to hanging back, being a little behind the beat. You can hang behind the beat and really be there with the music, or you can jump it and race on ahead. We are lucky to have some of the original Savoy dancers around, and teaching, today. Frankie Manning is the most notable... now 87 and still leaving us all in the dust. Swing dancing emerged in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, a ballroom that took up a full city block, back in the 1930's, from some teens who wanted to swing out and play with the dance, who wanted to improvise with the dance as their buddies with the instruments were doing on stage. These teens kept one upping each other, and out of their competitions and play were created aerials, jazz footwork, and choreography that is still widely danced today. Swing went on to take the world by storm, and it evolved into many different styles. Basic swing done in 6 counts is most often referred to as East Coast Swing, while the style of dance done at the Savoy was in 8 counts, or in a mixture of 6 & 8 counts, and was called Lindy Hop.

WHY LINDY HOP? it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! There are plenty of things to do with your evenings, so here's our take on the question: Why not go bowling, head to the local bar, sit in front of the TV, etc.? Why? Because you'll look back on your time and have nothing to show for it. Lindy Hop gets people up off their tails, exercising and socializing in a friendly, almost party-like environment. Here's what's out there waiting for you - social benefits - Lindy Hop is a partner dance - that makes it necessary for you to speak to other humans and requires you to hold their hands for a three and a half minute period. even the shyest of social klutzes interacts with a dozen or more members of the opposite sex on an average dance night. Every Lindy Hopper has oodles of friends they met at dances. Exercise - 2-3 hours of heart-pumping aerobic activity at 180+ beats a minute 2-4 times a week. We've personally witnessed lots and lots of people toning their bodies in just a few months by learning to Lindy Hop health benefits - nobody does drugs, very few smoke, and almost nobody drinks in a community that Lindy Hops. Even if there is drinking, it's not to excess (you only make that mistake ONCE). Appeal - this is a dance that looks cool - unlike ballroom or square dancing or the inane freeform standing with your feet planted while you gyrate to the beat type of "dancing" you see at bars and parties Economical - way cheaper than the gym or going to a bar - invest in a pair of swing dance shoes and two cool outfits and you've got all the equipment you need! Lasting benefits - ask anybody who's been Lindy Hopping for a while: when you and your partner go to a wedding or a bar with a dance floor - you'll usually be the best dancers in the place. (At bars and restaurants we've been given free drinks, free food, invitations to come back without paying the cover charge, invites to come back and teach - just because we hit the dance floor and did what we do every night at Lindy dances.) (woo-hoo!) So get off your buttsky and get out there. Bring your friends!

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