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Lindy Hop Notes

·2 mins
Dance Lindy Hop

General #

In Lindy Hop, like in Charleston, steps 1 and 2 involve rocking backward and forward, with step 1 being a left-foot step backwards.

Positions #

Closed position #

Stand in L position, perpendicular to the follower, such that your left hand and her right hand are connected like a towel, meaning her hand should be hanging on a bar, your hand. Your right hand should be at belly-button level. Your right hand should be placed on the follower’s middle back, not around the waist because this may prevent the follower from turning and because it feels creepy. This is not ballroom hold in the slightest.

The footwork is the same as in a basic.

Open position #

You stand in front of the follower with a left-to-right hand connection.

Patterns #

Basic #

Step back on 1 with the left leg. Step forward on 2 with the right leg. Steps 1 and 2 are a rock step. Steps 3&4 are a triple step forward with the left leg. Steps 5&6 are a triple step backward with the right leg.

Swing out #

Start in a closed position. Do a rock stop. Back with left foot (1), front with right foot (2), and then step forward with your left foot to do a triple step (3&4) while leaning your body forward and using your right arm to lead the follower forward. You can signal the open position by extending your right hand fingers relative to your palm, freeing her waist and allowing her to move forward. Steps 5&6 are triple step with the right leg moving backwards.

You should end in an open position.

Basic break #

Start in a closed position. On 1 and 2 do a 2-beat rock-step. On 3 stomp solidly into the floor with your left leg on 3, while leaning your body forwards. On 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 shake your hips forwards and backwards.

Lindy Hop sequences #

Novice pattern: