NYC Lindy Hop Classes & Socials

Both Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing are swing dances with global communities. Lindy Hop originated in the African-American community of 1930s Harlem, danced to jazz and blues. West Coast Swing evolved over decades, resurging in the '80s and '90s, adapting to modern music genres at slower tempos.

Yes, you can learn swing dancing online. However, the best way to learn involves in-person classes, private lessons, and attending social dances to practice with others. Immersing yourself in your local dance community enriches your experience and helps you progress more efficiently.

West Coast Swing is defined by its versatility across musical genres—from hip hop and blues to swing and pop. Characterized by an elastic quality, it allows for highly improvisational interaction between leader and follower. A significant social dance culture underscores its emphasis on connection and community.

West Coast Swing is a modern evolution of swing dance, tracing its roots to Lindy Hop and incorporating elements from various regional styles. East Coast Swing was developed in ballroom dance studios to simplify Lindy Hop moves for beginners. Despite their names, the two styles have distinct techniques and are not directly comparable.

West Coast Swing utilizes both 6-count and 8-count patterns, all danced to music in 4/4 time signature. The 6-count patterns consist of basic passes and pushes, whereas 8-count patterns include moves like the whip. This variety allows the dance significant flexibility and room for improvisation.

Swing dancing refers to a family of styles dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. West Coast Swing is a modern member of this family, developed over decades by incorporating elements from styles like Lindy Hop, Dallas Push, Houston Whip and Carolina Shag. Rather than being separate, West Coast Swing is part of the broader swing dance tradition.

West Coast Swing's basics are pushes, passes and whips. In beginner classes, you'll focus on the sugar push and two pass variations: left-side pass and right-side pass (also called underarm turn). As it's an improvisational dance, connecting with your partner through stretch and compression is equally important.

West Coast Swing can be a bit challenging due to its improvisational nature, the combination of 6-count and 8-count patterns, and its adaptability to various musical genres. Often called a "dancer's dance," it may seem daunting. However, beginners shouldn't be deterred; a clear progression of figures makes getting started approachable.