Lindy Hop
Also known as: Lindy, Lindy Swing
History & Cultural Context
Lindy Hop emerged in Harlem during the late 1920s-early 1930s as African-American dancers developed an innovative partner swing dance to accompany hot jazz music. The dance combined elements from the Charleston, breakaway, and jazz steps with partner connection and aerials (literally throwing and catching partners in the air). Named after Charles Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, Lindy Hop became synonymous with swing era culture and African-American expressiveness and creativity. Key figures like Frankie Manning, Dean Collins, and Doc Tipton pioneered and codified Lindy Hop through teaching and competition. The dance spread rapidly to mainstream American culture through the 1930s-1940s, dominating dance halls, featuring prominently in films, and becoming central to American popular culture during the Depression and WWII eras. Though popularity declined after World War II due to changing musical tastes and racial segregation in American society, Lindy Hop experienced major revivals beginning in the 1980s. Contemporary Lindy Hop continues to grow globally, with dancers studying historical footage to preserve African-American dance innovations and honoring the dance's roots in Harlem culture.
Cultural Significance
Lindy Hop emerged from the creativity of Harlem's African-American community and became a major force in American popular culture. The dance symbolized freedom, joy, and cultural resilience during the Great Depression. Its association with big band swing made it a central cultural marker of the 1930s-1940s. Post-WWII decline reflected both changing musical tastes and racial segregation. The contemporary Lindy Hop revival celebrates the dance's African-American roots and continues to grow globally.
Peak Popularity
Key Historical Figures
- Swing-Out
- Aerial
- Throw
- Kick
- Circle
Notable Codifiers
- Dean Collins
- Frankie Manning
- Doc Tipton
Dance Lineage
Watch Lindy Hop
ILHC 2019 Invitational Strictly Lindy Finals — The International Lindy Hop Championships
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