Do I need a partner?
What does a typical lesson look like?
Why should I stay for the social dance?
I’ve got two left feet, is it really possible to dance?
What if I make a mistake?
What should I wear? Bring?
Do I have to ask someone to dance?
What is “Lindy Etiquette”?
What if I don’t feel safe?
What is a jam?
Do I need a Partner?
No. While Lindy Hop (swing) is a partner dance, most fun can be had by dancing with lots of different people. Everyone has their own style and “messing around” with someone as the music plays is what makes for the most fun (in my humble opinion). Whenever there is a new face in the room, they are the people I dance with first and had some of the most amazing dances as a result.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Lessons usually start with a “warm up” where we all get onto our feet and try something. When it comes to the partner work, leads and follows “pair up” and make a big circle. Every so often the follows are asked to move one partner along. That means you get to dance with everyone in the room during the lesson.
Why should I stay for the social dance?
The quickest way to learn is to stay for the social dance, if only for an hour or so. Feel free to tell the person you’re about to dance with that you’re a beginner… or not. Up to you. Remember to smile a lot and, if you’re leading, the emergency “back step” to get back on track. Everyone had a first lesson so they know what it was like!
I’ve got two left feet, is it really possible to dance?
A secret, well it’s out now, I started with two left feet (made buying shoes awkward). Like learning to walk, it’s a skill that we can all learn… and I know you learnt how to do that, so dancing is one more step forward (pun intended). Yes, it takes time, so be compassionate to yourself, it may have taken you 9 – 12 months to learn to walk. Dancing is a much easier skill once you’re walking although it still will not happen overnight.
What if I make a mistake?
There are no mistakes in Lindy, only variations. If you just did a variation, smile, you’ve made a new move! Can tell you how many variations I’ve done… sometimes to be asked how I did it. My answer: “no idea!”.
What should I wear? Bring?
I recommend the following: Clothing – loose fitting clothes which keep you cool (some people bring extra to change into later). For shoes, I recommend flat shoes (heels make it difficult to balance) that are slippery on the dance floor (this protects your knees). Runners are out (the rubber soles stop you slipping). And yes, bring water. There is a kitchen at the venue so you can fill up, but no cups!
Do I have to ask someone to dance?
The best thing in the world is being asked to dance. I still think “Who, me?” and smile. It gives me a special feeling that never goes away.
If you want to spread a little joy to a fellow human, all it takes is a smile and a few words “Would you like a dance?” And guess what, it may the best 3 minutes of your dance career…
What is “Lindy Etiquette”?
Dance etiquette is how we treat each other on the dance floor. There are several key things:
- NEVER give unrequested advice on the dance floor. Unless your partner asks for feedback, don’t give it! And even if they do, be compassionate in the way you give it. Remember how you felt when you were starting out – be encouraging. The more people dancing the better and we all learn at a difference pace.
- ALWAYS say “Yes” if asked to dance, unless you really can’t. You’ll hear me talk about Frankie Manning who would say… it’s only three minutes of your life. Give this stranger your time and make them feel like a hero / star. If you can’t dance, then ask them back later.
- ACCEPT A NO. If someone says “No”, accept it and look for someone else to dance with. They will likely come back and find you later.
- NEVER do aerials on the dance floor (that is where someone’s feet leave the dance floor) especially if you’ve never danced with the person before. In a social environment they are dangerous to you, your partner and others (the only exceptions are competitions and jams where the dancers are well known to each other).
- NEVER SAY SORRY! There are no mistakes in Lindy, only variations. If you just did a variation, smile, you’ve made a new move!
What if I don’t feel safe?
No-one should feel uncomfortable at any time while at a dance event.
I will always be on hand so if, at any point, anyone does something to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way OR you see someone who is clearly uncomfortable, please take a minute to speak to me and let me know.
What is a jam?
A dance jam is where everyone stops dancing to watch two people dance together. It is a chance for the dancers to “show off” and inspire others watching.
A birthday jam is where the person with a birthday dances the whole song while partners switch in and out. They are great fun and a nice way to celebrate a birthday.