For an Norwegian version of this page, click here: Lindy Hop
The dance originated in the African-American communities in Harlem, New York in the 1910-1930s. Lindy Hop was danced to the pop music of the time; swing jazz. The music and the dance are closely linked, which is why we still dance to swing jazz.
Lindy Hop is, like swing jazz, energetic with a lot of rhythm. Both in the dance and in the music, individuality and improvisation are important elements. In Lindy Hop, both dancers are equally important in the partnership, and the music is often referred to as the third partner.
Bårdar Swing Club currently offers four different levels. See further below for a level breakdown and description. The courses are held in Norwegian or English, depending on the participants and instructors. As Lindy Hop is a social dance we rotate partners during class.
Full level descriptions:
Spring 2025
For the weekly and term schedules, see here: Kursplaner
See below for an overview of the instructors teaching this term:
| Lindy Hop Beginner | Ane, Kathy, Richard |
| Lindy Hop Improver | Birna, Mikkel, Eleonore, Pedro |
| Lindy Hop Focus: Momentum & Flow | Trond, Anne Bjørg |
| Lindy Hop Focus: Rhythm & Musicality | Enrique, Kathy, Tonje |
| Lindy Hop Focus: Work Your Charleston | Eleonore, Piotr |
| Lindy Hop Focus: Showcase Your Swing | Ingeborg, Piotr |
| Lindy Hop Learning Lab | Karoline, Jens |
We reserve the right to make changes when it comes to the instructors for the term.
Lindy Hop Beginner (12 weeks)
In this course you will learn your chosen role as leader or follower, and we focus on basic rhythms and steps, playfulness and musicality. Our goal is for you to feel the joy of dancing and be able to start dancing socially.
No previous experience is needed.
Level: Beginner
Lindy Hop Improver (12 weeks)
For this course you should know the three basic steps: groove walks, kick steps/charleston and triple steps and know the basic figures such as the tuck turn, send out, side-by-side and hand-to-hand charleston, swing out and circle. The content of this course will vary from semester to semester, and can be taken multiple times. Focus will be improving the technique of the basic figures and learning some new ones, as well as adapting the dance to the music and your partner.
You should have completed Lindy Hop Beginner (or equivalent) at least once.
Level: Beginner to beginner-intermediate
Lindy Hop Focus (6 weeks)
The Lindy Hop Focus blocks run over the course of 6 weeks, with one instructor pair teaching the full block. It combines what was previously known as Lindy Hop 3 and Lindy Hop 4. Each block will be repeated each semester, which gives you the opportunity to choose what works best with your schedule. You’ll be expected to have completed Lindy Hop Beginner and Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) a minimum of one, but preferably two times or more.
Each block has a general description of what you can expect to be covered and a level suggestion. The focus topics for each block will vary from term to term, depending on who is teaching. You can therefore easily repeat the same block multiple times, whilst still working on different things. You might find that some topics will cross over and appear in different blocks – this is inevitable as many aspects of the dance are inextricably linked.
Momentum and Flow: Master Your Lindy Hop Basics (6 weeks)
This block focuses on building strong basics, refining your technique, developing body awareness, and learning how to connect dynamically with your partner. We’ll explore using momentum and flow for exciting movement and add variety to your dance vocabulary.
The specific topics for a block will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the block multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics. You can expect to be working on one or more of the following topics over the course of the 6 weeks:
- Confident Basics: Master fundamental Lindy Hop footwork patterns like the groove, triple step, and rock step, achieving clean execution and smooth transitions.
- Swing Out Like a Champ: We’ll take your swing out to the next level. You’ll achieve a seamless connection with your partner, refine your footwork patterns, and confidently lead or follow with precise technique.
- Dance with Confidence: You’ll learn to dance with your body rather than just your hands, allowing for smoother communication with your partner. Mirroring movements while maintaining softness and flexibility will become second nature, enhancing predictability and connection.
- Dynamic Connection: Explore counterbalance and body mechanics to create a deep connection with your partner, moving as one unit.
- Master Momentum: Understand how to utilize momentum generated by your partner or your own movements to create exciting changes in direction and flow. You’ll learn to control and redirect energy for unpredictable and captivating movement.
- Effortless Glide: Develop smooth gliding technique, minimizing jerky movements. You’ll learn to utilize momentum for effortless movement across the dance floor, creating a truly connected experience.
- Circular & Linear Flow: Explore using circular and linear movements to create a sense of flow and direction in your dancing. You’ll learn to transition smoothly between these energies, adding variety and interest to your Lindy Hop vocabulary.
- Feel the Pulse, Move with the Beat: Develop a strong sense of the swing pulse, incorporating a natural pulse into your dancing. You’ll learn to use the pulse effectively to build momentum and express yourself dynamically.
- Compression and Release: Gain an understanding of compression and stretch used in techniques like sugar pushes. This will allow you to create dynamic movement patterns, adding power and excitement to your dancing (explored for advanced students).
Suitable for dancers who have completed at a minimum Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) at least once.
Level: Beginner-intermediate to intermediate-advanced
Work Your Charleston (6 weeks)
This block focuses on developing your skills in this fast-paced and energetic dance, a cornerstone of the Lindy Hop. You’ll transform from a Charleston novice to a confident and versatile dancer. You’ll be able to seamlessly integrate the Charleston into your Lindy Hop repertoire, adding a unique flavor and historical connection to your dancing. So, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to master the Charleston!
The specific topics for a block will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the block multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics. You can expect to be working on one or more of the following topics over the course of the 6 weeks:
- Faster Tempo Comfort: You’ll become comfortable dancing at faster tempos, a key element of the Charleston. This will translate to increased confidence and control in your Lindy Hop dancing as well.
- Charleston & Basic Step Fusion: You’ll learn to seamlessly combine Charleston moves with your triple step and groove vocabulary, adding playful variations to your social dancing.
- Core Charleston Moves: Refine your understanding of the basics, punching techniques, and figures like pass-bys and tuck turns. This will solidify your foundation for more advanced variations. You’ll develop the ability to improvise with these moves, adapting them to different tempos and musical phrasing.
- Charleston Jazz Steps: Expand your Charleston vocabulary by learning basic footwork variations, the jump Charleston, squat Charleston, the chase, 20s Charleston, and even basic trickeration (advanced footwork patterns).
- Swing Out Your Technique: Delve deeper into Swing Out variations while incorporating Charleston elements
- Origins of the Charleston: Explore the historical roots of the Charleston, understanding its development and cultural significance. This knowledge will enrich your appreciation for the dance.
- Classic Materials: Become familiar with classic films and performances featuring the Charleston, like «A Day at the Races» and «Hellzapoppin,» providing inspiration for further exploration.
- Variations Galore: Learn exciting variations like the Saloon Door, Hacksaws, hand-to-hand, tandem variations, and airplane/around the world variations. These will add spice and variety to your Charleston dancing. Explore the differences between relaxed and counterbalanced styles, and refine your technique with redirections, spins, and turns.
- Energy & Expression: Gain an understanding of the various energies and tempos within Charleston. This will allow you to achieve different effects within the same move, from playful and lighthearted to powerful and dynamic.
Suitable for dancers who have completed at a minimum Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) at least once.
Level: Intermediate to intermediate-advanced
Dancing the Melody: Rhythm & Musicality in Lindy Hop (6 weeks)
This block focuses on the deep connection between Lindy Hop and the music it was born from. You can expect to develop a deep understanding of the rhythmic nuances of swing music and various jazz styles. You’ll learn to translate these rhythms into your dancing, creating a truly musical and expressive Lindy Hop experience. You’ll not only dance to the music, but become part of the music itself.
The specific topics for a block will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the block multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics. You can expect to be working on one or more of the following topics over the course of the 6 weeks:
- Rhythm Variations in Swing Out: You’ll develop a nuanced understanding of how rhythm variations within the swing out can create dynamic expression and connection with your partner.
- Slow Lindy & Beyond: Explore the world of Slow Lindy, incorporating jazz and blues phrasing and schemes into your dancing. You’ll learn to interpret different musical styles with your body.
- Jazz Exploration: Delve into the rich tapestry of jazz styles like mambo, blues, rhythm and blues, charleston, bebop, and ragtime. You’ll discover how each style influences the feel and movement of your Lindy Hop.
- Become a Human Orchestra: Learn to create music with your body, translating the different instruments and sections of a jazz band into your movement vocabulary.
- Scatting Through Movement: Explore the concept of «scatting», using improvisation and body language to create a rhythmic conversation with the music.
- Mixing Solo Jazz & Lindy Hop: Discover how to seamlessly integrate elements of solo jazz improvisation into your Lindy Hop dancing, adding a layer of personal expression and creativity.
- Fast Lindy & Big Bands: Master the exhilarating energy of Fast Lindy, understanding its historical connection to the powerful sound of big band jazz. You’ll learn to translate the driving rhythms into dynamic and exciting footwork.
Suitable for dancers who have completed at a minimum Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) at least once.
Level: Intermediate to intermediate-advanced
Showcase Your Swing: Develop Your Dance Style (6 weeks)
You will gain a strong foundation in Lindy Hop technique, musicality, and improvisation, preparing you for a variety of dancing experiences on the social dance floor and more. In this block you might learn more advanced choreography, explore different styles of swing dancing, and work on becoming a more confident and creative participant on the dance floor and in jam circles. Expect to get more familiar with the history of Lindy Hop in this block. We want you to develop your dance style and showcase your swing!
The specific topics for a block will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the block multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics. You can expect to be working on one or more of the following topics over the course of the 6 weeks:
- Footwork: You will be practicing smooth transitions and weight transfers to develop clean and precise footwork, and working on mastering basic figures like the swing-out and charleston variations.
- Musicality: You will learn to interpret the music and move in sync with the rhythm and phrasing. You will develop a natural feel for the swing beat and express it through your dancing.
- Classic Routines: You will learn the basic steps and variations of classic Lindy Hop routines like «Day at the Races» and «California Routine.» You will understand the structure and history of these iconic dances.
- Getting Inspiration from Videos: You will be able to identify moves from videos and incorporate them into your own improvisation during social dancing and/or jams. You will develop an eye for interesting footwork, variations, and stylistic elements.
- Improvisational Skills: You will be able to build on the foundation of learned choreography to create your own variations and sequences during solo practice or partner dancing. You will develop confidence in expressing your musicality through improvisation.
- Vocabulary Expansion: You will expand your Lindy Hop vocabulary with new moves and variations learned through choreography, enriching your overall dance style and technique.
- Find Your Dance Voice: You will explore ways to add personality and flair to your dancing, developing your own performance style. You will learn how to connect with the audience (real or imagined) and convey joy through their movement.
- Stage Presence: You will develop stage presence, maintaining good posture, connection, and dynamic expression while dancing in front of others.
- Confidence: Throughout the learning process, you will build confidence in your dancing abilities, allowing you to express yourself freely and enjoy the dance form.
- Air Steps: You will learn basic aerial moves (air steps) to add excitement and variety to your dancing. You will practice proper technique and safety precautions when attempting air steps.
- Unleash Your Inner Jam Master! You’ll learn the essential jam circle concepts, mastering skills like navigating shared space and confidently «stealing» moves from others. We’ll cover seamless entry and exit techniques to keep the flow going, and explore the unique dynamics of solo vs. group expression within the circle. You’ll build your confidence, ready to contribute your own flavor to the vibrant energy of social jams.
- Communication: You will learn to communicate your dance ideas with partners and adapt your sequences on the fly to create a fun and collaborative experience during social dancing and jam circles.
Suitable for those who have completed: Lindy Hop 3, Lindy Hop 4, other Lindy Hop Focus blocks (or equivalent)
Level: Intermediate-advanced
Lindy Hop Learning Lab (12 weeks)
This course is for you if you want to push your boundaries and take your dancing to the next level. There will be an instructor /facilitator present, but the content will depend on the participants. In this course you will be responsible for sharing something you have learned at a festival or in a class or something that you are working on yourself. You will also work together with the group on creating a short showcase for one of the parties arranged by Bårdar Swing Club.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Active Participation & Knowledge Sharing: This is your chance to shine! You need to actively participate, share your dance experiences, and contribute to the group’s learning.
- Collaborative Learning: Come ready to learn with – and from – your fellow dancers! This could be a piece of choreography you’ve been working on, a new move or technique you learned at a festival, or even an idea for a movement exploration. You might prepare solo or brainstorm with a fellow group member. We’ll explore choreography, moves, and techniques, individually or together.
- Constructive Feedback & Safe Space: This is a supportive environment for growth. Expect to give and receive constructive feedback that helps everyone elevate their dancing.
- Student-Led Exploration: While there’s no traditional instructor, a facilitator will guide the exploration, fostering a collaborative learning experience. This is a student-led class.
How is it structured?
The course runs for 12 weeks. The first 8 weeks will be facilitated, the last 4 weeks will be open practice. Each class will have two parts:
- Sharing: 1-2 people in the group are responsible for sharing something they have learned each class. Rotating responsibility, so everyone shares and everyone learns.
- Creating: Working together to make a short choreography for a party arranged by Bårdar Swing Club.
Who can participate?
This is an advanced level course. You can participate if you have a strong motivation for developing your own dance as much as possible, are driven by practicing on your own and sharing what you learn with others. You should have a strong foundation of Lindy Hop and some Solo Jazz basics and can easily pick up new material. You can participate solo or with a partner.
You need to apply in order to participate in this course.
How do I apply for this course?
You have to send a written application to the Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz coordinators, who will be the only people reading your application. The link to the application form is here: https://forms.gle/E9szkiSYX7Sddrwp7. Deadline for applications is 12th January 2025.
After the deadline, the coordinators will put a group of participants together based on the participants’ experience, expectations and goals. There will be 6-8 couples in this course, depending on the circumstances. Everyone who sends in their application before the deadline will get a reply by email. If you get a positive reply you can sign up for the course when normal course registration opens in January.
Level: Advanced