Welcome to the rhythmic and joyful world of Lindy Hop! In this post, we'll take you on a dance journey through the vibrant city of Cambridge and its swing-dancing community.
So, lace up your dancing shoes, and let's dive into the swingin' scene.
Lindy Hop - A Dance Style Like No Other
Lindy Hop, often referred to as the "grandfather of swing dances," has a rich and storied history.
Born in the 1920s in the Harlem Renaissance, Lindy Hop was created by African-American dancers who fused a number of jazz dances, including the Charleston and Breakaway.
Lindy Hop was creative and bold, with dancers incorporating their own personalities and moves into the dance form, which mirrored the energetic jazz music that they danced to.
Lindy Hoppers at the Savoy Ballroom in New York in the 1950s
In the 1920s and 1930s, Lindy Hop was primarily danced to live jazz music. Jazz musicians played for dancers, and dancers danced to live jazz music. This relationship gave us some incredible music that was crafted for swing dancers from legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.
Today’s Lindy Hoppers pay homage to those amazing dancers.
Adult Lindy Hop Dance Classes in Cambridge
So, ready to take the plunge into the world of Lindy Hop?
You're in luck! Cambridge boasts a thriving dance community with regular adult dance classes. We have regular classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Our Tuesday class and social is a great place to start. Our drop-in class starts at 730 p.m. and is suitable for absolute beginners. After the 1 hour class, we start our socials at 830 p.m. where you can take the moves you’ve learned for a spin!
Find out more about the Tuesday classes
Wednesdays are class nights, where we hold beginner and intermediate classes. These are typically themed every month, giving you time to develop your skills over the course of a month.
Find out more about the Wednesday classes
Other than our Tuesday and Wednesday classes, we also hold ad-hoc workshops and classes. Find the full list here.
Dancing to Live Swing Music in Cambridge
There are few things that beat the joy of dancing Lindy Hop to live swing music.
We’re lucky to have live bands playing for dancers every month in Cambridge. These also happen to be our most popular nights, so don’t be surprised when you see a crowded dance floor.
Band nights, as we call them, are incredibly fun as the bands bring loads of energy, improvisation, and fun.
Vintage Dressing - A Stylish Part of Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is more than just dancing. For some, it's a lifestyle.
Many Lindy Hoppers embrace vintage dressing, especially on special nights or events. This adds a touch of classic elegance to their dance. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply appreciate the charm of the past, Lindy Hop's vintage aesthetic may pique your interest.
If you don’t have a vintage outfit, don’t fret! Dancers will happily exchange secrets about where they buy their favourite vintage shoes or how they style their victory rolls.
And for your first class, it’s better to wear something that you can move comfortably in – so hold off on the vintage attire (or don’t!).
The Lindy Hop Community in Cambridge
Lindy Hop is not just about dance; it's also about building a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals.
In Cambridge, you'll discover a welcoming and diverse group of Lindy Hoppers who share your passion for swing. Get ready to make friends, create memories, and dance the night away at local Lindy events.
Dancers from the community also organize their own get-togethers. Whether it’s birthday parties, heading to the park on a sunny day, or a practice session – you can bet there will always be a bit of dancing.
Festivals, Exchanges, and Parties
Once you’ve started your dance journey, you’ll want to treat yourself to some Lindy Hop events.
In Cambridge itself, we have the Cambridge Lindy Exchange and Swing Sanctuary which are annual celebrations that bring together dancers from near and far.
These events can feature workshops led by international Lindy Hop instructors, offering a unique opportunity to learn from the very best dancers.
Dancers love these events as they can dance to live swing music and pick up new moves, either from the workshops or by stealing ideas from other dancers.
It’s also common to travel to other cities to attend their Lindy Hop festivals. This combines travelling to a new city with swing dancing; definitely an exciting combination.
Progression - The Joy of Picking Up a New Skill
Just like a baby taking its first steps, Lindy Hop can be challenging at first but is ultimately very rewarding.
From mastering basic steps to incorporating more advanced moves, there are many things to learn and incorporate into our dance repertoire.
Once you start getting the hang of things, it will feel like a whole new world has opened for you. You might start questioning your basic steps and think about how you can do them better, or try to learn new moves, or perhaps try to pick up new styles of swing dance - the possibilities are endless.
So if you’re up for a challenge, Lindy Hop can definitely provide it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lindy Hop in Cambridge is more than just dance lessons; it's a gateway to a world of music, friends, fashion, and unforgettable experiences.
We encourage you to embrace the rhythm, connect with the community, and dive headfirst into the joy of Lindy Hop.
So, why wait? Get your dancing shoes on, and let's swing into the fun-filled world of Lindy Hop right here in Cambridge!
Ready to Dance?
Cambridge Swing Dance is the best place to start swing dancing in Cambridge.
With our regular classes, socials, live band nights, and friendly community, you’ll find a welcoming place to start your Lindy Hop journey.
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, and don’t forget to share your Lindy Hop adventures with us on social media. Happy dancing!