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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Niomi
Niomi discovered Lindy Hop after a car crash forced her to find gentler movement than climbing. For her, it’s self-expression, freedom, and community. She loves seeing students let go and show their true selves through dance, gaining confidence and joy!
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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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Teó
Teo discovered Lindy Hop when his friend tricked him into a class, then left him there—but he stayed and never wants to leave! It’s his peaceful spot for laughter and being himself. He loves seeing students evolve together. A fan of “King of the Swingers,” he also enjoys learning Japanese and stand-up comedy!
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Isak
Isak started Lindy Hop through university friends and got completely hooked after an awkward beginning. For him, it’s about connecting and sharing ideas in an intuitive, embodied way. He loves helping students overcome hurdles he faced too. Currently grooving to Cab Calloway’s “Pickin’ the Cabbage” and secretly juggles!
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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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Monica
Monica started when her aunt convinced her to try a beginner workshop – she had low expectations but was completely blown away! For her it means friendship and freedom, a space to let go and enjoy the moment. She loves seeing people light up when they feel the dance’s joy. An Illinois Jacquet fan, she’s also a scuba diver!
