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.


Autumn 2026

For the weekly and term schedules, see here: Kursplaner

See below for an overview of the instructors teaching this term:

Lindy Hop BeginnerEleonore, Piotr, Ane, Richard
Lindy Hop ImproverKaroline, Andraz, Noa, Piotr, Prieglius
Lindy Hop Focus: Momentum & FlowNoa, Benjaminas
Lindy Hop Focus: Rhythm & MusicalityKathy, Benjaminas
Lindy Hop Focus: Back to the BasicsIngeborg, Enrique
Lindy Hop Focus: The ABCs of Advanced DancingIngeborg, Enrique

We reserve the right to make changes when it comes to the instructors for the term.


Course descriptions

Click on the headings below for more information about the different courses. Click here for level descriptions: Level descriptions

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–Intermediate

Lindy Hop Focus: Momentum and Flow (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. 

Each 6-week block is shaped by the instructors teaching it, which means the course can be repeated multiple times with new material. Throughout the block, you will work on strengthening core Lindy Hop technique, focusing on confident basics such as groove, triple steps, and rock steps, while refining flow and transitions.

Depending on the focus of the block, you may explore partner connection, swing out refinement, and dancing with the whole body for clearer communication. The course may also cover momentum, swing pulse, circular and linear movement, and concepts such as counterbalance, compression, and release, supporting smoother, more expressive Lindy Hop dancing.

Suitable for dancers who have completed at a minimum Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) at least once.

Level: Intermediate

Lindy Hop Focus: Rhythm & Musicality (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 6-week block is shaped by the instructors teaching it, which means the course can be repeated multiple times with new material. Depending on the focus of the block, you may work with rhythm variations in the swing out, slow Lindy and blues phrasing, fast Lindy and big band energy, musical phrasing and song structure, or explore how different jazz styles influence the feel of your dancing. You’ll experiment with improvisation, scatting, becoming a “human orchestra,” and blending solo jazz ideas seamlessly into partner dance.

Suitable for dancers who have completed at a minimum Lindy Hop Improver (or equivalent) at least once.

Level: Intermediate

Lindy Hop Focus: Back to the Basics (6 weeks)

Sometimes the most advanced thing you can do is go back to basics. This 6-week course is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers who want to slow down, dig deep, and sharpen the technique that everything else is built on.

Throughout the course, you’ll revisit and refine the fundamentals of Lindy Hop with a more critical eye: groove, weight transfer, footwork clarity, and connection — all the details that get glossed over as you move fast through the fun stuff. It’s a chance to rebuild your basics with the awareness and control that only comes with experience.

Prerequisites: You should have completed both LH Focus Momentum & Flow and Rhythm & Musicality — this class assumes you already have solid foundational vocabulary and are ready to refine it.

Level: Intermediate–Advanced

Lindy Hop Focus: The ABCs of Advanced Dancing (6 weeks)

If you’re the kind of dancer who loves nailing variations, dips, wraps, and “how did they just do that?” moments, but knows that the good stuff only works when your basics are clean—this is your module.

We’ll take six classes to revisit the technique behind three essential Lindy Hop building blocks: the pass‑by, the sugar push, and the swing out. You’ll be surprised how many flashy, showy, and straight‑up ridiculous moves are just those basics movements with a fancy hat. Once your technique holds up, we’ll throw a kitchen sink of material at you: Charleston‑inspired entries, Texas Tommy shenanigans, syncopated weirdness, rhythm breaks, hints of Hollywood style, and things that don’t belong together but somehow work.

You’ll leave this course with a sharper eye for technique, better control of your own movement, and an expanded palette of choices that make dancing more fun—for you and your partner.

Prerequisites:
This is a fast‑moving and demanding Lindy Hop Focus module. We ask that participants have completed at least two previous Lindy Hop Focus modules (any track, preferably Back to the Basics). We will cover a lot of material, move quickly and expect a solid level of comfort with core Lindy technique. The course will be as challenging as it is fun.

Level: Intermediate–Advanced

Lindy Hop Focus: Charleston Boost (6 weeks) – not offered in autumn 2026

Missed a few beats? Lost in the footwork fog? Charleston Boost is here to lift you up, dust you off, and get you dancing with style and confidence! This lively class is designed for anyone who wants to revisit the fundamentals of Charleston and sneak in some extra flair along the way.

We’ll reinforce the basics—timing, technique, classic Charleston moves—then add a little extra sparkle with playful drills, stylish variations, and partner-friendly combinations. It’s the perfect mix of refresh and refinement, wrapped in a high-energy, judgment-free zone full of encouragement and good vibes.

Whether you’re coming back after a break, catching up on missed material, or just want that little boost to feel great on the dance floor, this class has your back (and your feet).

The specific topics for the course will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the same course multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics.

The course was previously known as Work Your Charleston.

Suitable for those who have completed: Lindy Hop Improver, other Lindy Hop Focus blocks (or equivalent)

Level: Beginner-intermediate to intermediate

Lindy Hop Focus: Charleston Challenge (6 weeks) – not offered in autumn 2026

Ready to kick it up a notch? Charleston Challenge is where confident dancers come to push limits, play, and power up their Charleston game. If you’ve got the basics down and you’re craving more — more speed, more style, more oomph — this is your next step.

We’ll dive into dynamic footwork, fast-paced variations, rhythm play, and creative combos that will test your technique and fire up your creativity. Expect partner switches, playful drills, and plenty of opportunities to fine-tune your musicality and flair — all while keeping the energy high and the mood fun.

This class is all about taking what you know and making it shine. You’ll sweat, you’ll laugh, and you’ll definitely surprise yourself.

The specific topics for the course will be set by the instructors teaching it. This means that you can repeat the same course multiple times without necessarily encountering the same topics.

Suitable for those who have completed: Lindy Hop Focus blocks (or equivalent)

Level: Intermediate to intermediate-advanced

Lindy Hop Focus: Showcase Your Swing (6 weeks) – not offered in autumn 2026

In this block, you’ll continue building a strong foundation in Lindy Hop technique, musicality, and improvisation, preparing you for social dancing, jam circles, and other dance settings. The focus is on developing confidence, creativity, and personal style, while deepening your understanding of Lindy Hop’s roots and history. You’ll be encouraged to explore different swing styles, refine your expression, and showcase your swing.

Each 6-week block is shaped by the instructors teaching it, allowing the course to be repeated with new material. Depending on the focus of the block, you may work with more advanced choreography, classic Lindy Hop routines, and variations on core figures such as swing outs and charleston. Topics may also include musical interpretation, clean and precise footwork, expanding your movement vocabulary, and drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary dance footage.

The course may further explore improvisation, performance skills, and communication in both partner dancing and jam circles. You might work on stage presence, confidence, and personal expression, as well as introductory air steps with an emphasis on technique and safety, supporting a playful, expressive, and well-rounded Lindy Hop experience.

Suitable for those who have completed: Lindy Hop 3, Lindy Hop 4, other Lindy Hop Focus blocks (or equivalent)

Level: Intermediate-advanced


Level descriptions

Beginner

You are new to Lindy Hop and are learning the basic steps, rhythm, and swing feel. Focus is on building confidence with six- and eight-count moves, understanding basic footwork, and developing timing and coordination. 

Beginner–Intermediate

You have been dancing for around 6–12 months and are comfortable with foundational moves like Swing Out, Tuck Turn, Circles, and basic Charleston steps. You can combine six- and eight-count moves in simple sequences and dance socially at medium-slow tempos. You are starting to explore lead and follow, improvisation, and musicality, but still really have to think about your moves and find dancing on crowded dance floors to be a challenge. Your Swing Out still feels “mechanical”:

  • As a follow, you are learning to interpret the leader’s signals and stay connected. 
  • As a lead, you are practicing clear timing and gentle cues. 

Even if it feels stiff, you are beginning to enjoy the push and pull that makes Lindy Hop fun.

Intermediate

You have been dancing for roughly 9–18 months and attend regular classes and weekly social dances. Your basics are solid—you can mix six- and eight-count moves, Swing Outs, Circles, Charleston, Frankie Sixes, and fundamental variations—and you are beginning to explore Solo Jazz and routines. You are developing your musicality, phrasing, and ability to improvise while feeling comfortable on the social dance floor. Your Swing Out is starting to feel more like a small dance within the dance: 

  • As a follow, you are learning to read and interpret subtle signals.
  • As a lead, you are experimenting with timing and guiding with confidence, though it may still depend on your partner or tempo.

Intermediate–Advanced

You have been dancing for 1.5–3 years and are an active social dancer, attending classes and events weekly. You can dance at most tempos and confidently lead or follow all key moves, adding variations with ease. You have a strong sense of musicality and rhythm, enjoy improvising, and are starting to express your own personal style while continuing to refine your technique. Your Swing Out begins to feel natural: whether you are following or leading, you can fluidly interpret subtle changes in the dancing and you can shape the rhythm, energy, and path of the move while staying connected, adding your own styling. 

Advanced

You have been dancing for 3–5 years and are deeply immersed in Lindy Hop, attending classes, social dances, and festivals regularly. You feel comfortable with any partner and tempo, and your lead/follow, musicality, and improvisation are well-developed. You enjoy experimenting with rhythm, phrasing, and Solo Jazz, and are focused on refining your technique and expressing your unique style on the dance floor. Your Swing Out feels smooth and dynamic: whether leading or following, you play with timing, styling, and musical accents while maintaining connection, manipulating energy, flowing through variations, and responding intuitively to your partner and the music. You don’t hesitate to sign up for the top levels at international Lindy Hop festivals.