Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is the original swing dance – born in 1920s Harlem, it’s the exuberant, improvisational partner dance that captures the spirit of jazz music. At SwingShoes, we teach this timeless art across eight progressive levels, from your very first steps to advanced aerials and musicality.
Our passionate local instructors guide you through the fundamental techniques, connection, and joyful expression that make Lindy Hop the cornerstone of swing dancing in Copenhagen.
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History of Lindy Hop
Lindy hop is part of a lineage of Black American dance forms (for example Charleston, Balboa, Blues dance, Tap, Cake walk) originating from African dances. It is a social dance that was shaped in the late 1920s and early 1930s in Harlem, New York. At that time, Lindy hop was danced every night in large ballrooms to live bands playing swing music led by giants such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Chick Webb. Just like the music it is danced to, Lindy hop values improvisation, innovation, self expression, and rhythm.
Here you can see “20 Swing Era Lindy Every Beginner Dancer Should Know (Or At Least See Dance)” presented by Bobby White.
Here you can see a modern day example of Lindy hop and other dance styles in LaTasha Barnes’ “The Jazz Contiuum”. Read the caption on YouTube for a full description.
Lindy hop teachers
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Emilie
Emilie discovered swing at a 2023 Studenterhuset social and became instantly obsessed. For her, swing is pure freedom and flow—a living piece of cultural history where every dance creates a unique, shared moment. She loves helping dancers grow and gain confidence.
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Chott
Chott discovered Lindy Hop at 21 during travels in the UK when a housemate invited her to a Sheffield swing class. she loves that moment when concepts ‘click’ for students. A Lavern Baker fan, she also plays and dances folk music!
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Stine
Stine started Lindy Hop at 22 with an old friend and couldn’t stop laughing. For her, it’s playfulness, freedom, and community – lucky adults having space for play! She loves sharing dance joy and seeing students click. Currently loving Ella’s comedic jazz stylings and Eyal Vilner’s energy. Former trumpet player!
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Sarah
Sarah discovered Lindy Hop through a friend’s suggestion in 2019 and has been hooked ever since. For her, it’s about personal expression and connection—celebrating each other through music and partnership. She loves seeing that “aha-moment” when difficult moves finally click for students. A Catherine Russell fan, she’s secretly trying to relearn the accordion!
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Hanna
Hanna was pulled to a social dance by her sister one night and has been on dance floors around the world since! Swing means liberation, connection, and expression. She loves seeing dancers find their voice through movement. A fan of Ella Fitzgerald, she’s a rubber band fight champion!
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Jens
Jens discovered Lindy Hop through a friend at a party with a taster class. Though he couldn’t do the steps at first, the energy hooked him instantly! For him, it’s a physical outlet with fast movements and happy high energy. He loves how teaching motivates his own improvement. Currently obsessed with “Roll’Em” by Bernert Berkhout for solo jazz practice—and he’s a fantasy/sci-fi nerd at heart!
