| The Lindy Hop |
It all began in Harlem back in 1926 at the Savoy Ballroom with a man called George Snowden (aka "Shorty George"). He dubbed this dance the "Lindy Hop" in reference to Charles Lindbergh's recent "hop" across the Atlantic. In 1936, the name began to lose its appeal because of Lindbergh's racist views, his dislike of the degeneracy of swing era America and finally in 1938, his acceptance of the highest Nazi civilian medal, ordered by Adolph Hilter. Thus "Jitterbug" was born to replace Lindbergh's namesake.
Jitterbug was a new name, but still represented the same dance, although some of the "hardcore"
dancers refused to give up the name "Lindy Hop" because they thought Jitterbug misrepresented
"their" dance. Even today, there is still controversy over what "Jitterbug" means
concerning dance steps. |
 |
 |
The Lindy Hop combines elements of jazz dance, The Big Apple, Charleston and the Texas Tommy. Today there are 2 styles of Lindy Hop: Hollywood/LA Style and Savoy Style. Both are based on an 8 count pattern. The pattern begins with the "Send Out" (6 count move-Hollywood Style) or a "Swing Out" (8 count move-Savoy Style).
Next is the Lindy "Basic". The follow is led in on 1, 2, starts the "face-off" on 3 and 4 and is brought through on 5, 6, 7 and 8. In Hollywood Style the follow is led backwards out of the "basic" on 5, 6, 7 and 8, maintaining a solid connection and continuing to face the lead. This can also be done in 6 counts, especially if the music is fast. In Savoy Style, the follow is led through facing foward (away from the lead) on 5, 6, 7 and 8 which allows her to turn on her own to face the lead once more ready for the 1.
|
| Finally, there is the "Lindy Circle". The first 4 counts of this move are the same as the basic, but on count 5 the lead has moved his arm around the follows waist and leads her backwards in a circular motion on an imaginary pivot point. This puts the dancers into position for side-by-side Charleston on count number 1, a dance that the original Lindy Hoppers incorporated into what we know as The Lindy Hop today. |
Return to Dance History
|
|
Top  |
|
|