There’s been such interest in the swing classes on Fridays at Chilli White, that I’ve decided to put together the teaching highlights in a video guide to 8 Count Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop is a style of dance in the swing family, made popular in the 1930s. It’s a fun and exciting partner dance, that’s high-energy and rewarding.
These moves are danced to 8 counts, there are other counts used in swing dancing – such as 6 counts. But salsa dancers tend to find it easiest to get their heads around 8 counts, so that’s what we’ve decided to focus on – for now!
Closed Hold
OK, so first a look at closed hold. This is a great place to start with your Lindy Hop dancing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX5pzaJiClU
Basic Step in Closed
Here’s the Lindy Hop 8 Count Basic Step, it’s a great move to dance whilst working out what to do next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlengMhOwFU
Lindy Circle
The Lindy Circle begins and ends in closed hold. It’s a fairly laid back move, which will prepare you for other moves to come…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQubmVrg3zk
Swingout
This is THE defining move of Lindy Hop, it’s tricky but well worth the effort to get it right. By our definition, a Swingout starts in closed hold and ends in open.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3SaKIVNp6M
Lindy Turn
The Lindy Turn, not to be confused with the Lindy Circle, is basically just a Swingout from open hold. It’s so very ‘swing’!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFMujwOu4u8
Lindy Circle from Open
We saw a Lindy Circle earlier, this variant starts in open hold and is a great way to get back into closed – meaning you can chain together all the moves in this guide and hit the freestyle floor!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNsGOvPSL8Q
Swingout Pattern
Here’s a pattern that pulls everything together. Over to you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OPO6FdJx0s
