The lindy hop is a swing dance that originated in New York in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is a unique style of movement that incorporates elements of partner and solo dances. The dance is thought to have been named after Charles Lindberg, the famous aviator.
The lindy hop’s steps are a mix of traditional African dance and formal European dance’s eight-count structure. The swingout is the basic step used lindy dancers. Each dancer performs in the open position alone, then the couple joins together to dance in the closed position of the swingout. The Charleston, breakaway, Texas Tommy, and hop all have steps that are similar to those in this dance.
The exact style of each performance can vary greatly because the lindy hop was taught informally among small groups of dancers. Some lindy dancers have steps that resemble those of Frankie Manning and other African-American dancers from the Savoy Ballroom, while others have steps that resemble those of white dancers from the west coast like Jewell McGowan and Dean Collins. These two styles are sometimes referred to as the Savoy-Style and the Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop.
Big band musical arrangements artists such as Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Webb, and Benny Goodman are generally associated with the lindy hop. However, in the late 1990s, this dance was a big part of the neo swing music revival. You may even see the lindy hop performed to rhythm and blues, soul, or hip hop music in certain circumstances.
In the United States, the lindy hop has earned a permanent place in popular culture. Swing dancing competitions are held on a regular basis in a number of cities, and these events are widely publicized on a variety of Internet forums. It’s also prominently featured in Christina Aguilera’s hit song Candyman’s music video.
Although the lindy hop is best known in the United States, it is worth noting that the dance is popular all over the world. In England, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, this dance is performed on a regular basis.