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.
Upcoming Courses and Workshops
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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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!
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Helena
Helena discovered Lindy Hop when she moved to a new city and googled dance classes, choosing the one with the best music. It’s expression, connection, and endless learning. She loves watching students grow and discover new moves. A fan of “Clarinet Creole,” she secretly loves organizing and won a Bugg competition at 11!
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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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Teó
Teó was tricked into his first Lindy Hop class by a friend who promptly left him there alone. He stayed anyway and never looked back! For him, swing dancing is a peaceful spot where he can laugh, smile, and be completely himself while meeting new friends.
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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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Emil
Emil discovered swing at CPH Lindy Exchange in 2022 and was instantly hooked after his first Happy Feet course. As a professional drummer, he teaches with a musician’s perspective, helping dancers connect rhythms with movement through improvisation and jazz understanding.
