Take Your Swing Dancing to the Next Level
So you've nailed your swingouts, mastered your Charleston, and feel confident on the social dance floor. What's next? Lindy Hop is a dance with endless possibilities, and advancing your skills means diving into dynamic moves, creative variations, and musical play. Here are some advanced Lindy Hop moves to challenge yourself with next.
1. The Texas Tommy with Inside Turn
This flashy variation of the classic Texas Tommy adds an extra layer of complexity. Instead of just releasing the follower’s hand, the leader guides the follower into an inside turn before reconnecting. It’s a great way to play with momentum and surprise your partner.
- Key Tip: Keep the lead smooth—no jerking! The turn should flow naturally from the swingout motion.
2. Swivels with Syncopated Footwork
Advanced followers can elevate their swivels by adding syncopated steps (think quick-quick-slow rhythms). Leaders can match this by playing with their own footwork or using body leads to accentuate the movement.
- Key Tip: Practice swivels slowly first to maintain balance before speeding up.
3. The Flying Charleston
A crowd favorite, the Flying Charleston involves aerials where the follower is lifted (safely!) into the air. This move requires trust, coordination, and proper technique to avoid injuries.
- Key Tip: Always practice with a spotter and ensure both partners are comfortable with the mechanics before attempting at full speed.
4. Tandem Charleston Variations
Take your side-by-side Charleston beyond the basics by adding kicks, jumps, or even a pretzel turn. The key is maintaining connection while playing with asymmetry.
- Key Tip: Mirror each other’s energy—if one person goes big, the other should match!
5. The Stop-and-Go
Mastering sudden pauses mid-move (like freezing mid-swingout) and then restarting seamlessly is a hallmark of advanced dancers. It’s all about control, weight shifts, and reading your partner’s movement.
- Key Tip: Use your core to brake and restart—avoid relying solely on arm strength.
6. Behind-the-Back Passes
Add flair by leading the follower to turn behind your back instead of in front. This works beautifully in Lindy circles or as a surprise element in a fast-paced dance.
- Key Tip: Keep your frame solid to maintain connection even when you can’t see your partner.
7. The Jazz Slide
Incorporate this smooth, sliding movement into transitions or as a stand-alone stylistic element. Works great with bluesy tunes or as a way to shift directions abruptly.
- Key Tip: Stay light on your feet—think "gliding" rather than stepping.
Final Thoughts
Advanced Lindy Hop isn’t just about harder moves—it’s about how you execute them. Focus on musicality, partnership, and clean technique. And remember: even the most complex moves should feel fun, not forced. Happy dancing!
— Keep swinging, keep smiling!
