If you’ve ever searched for “dance classes near me”, you’ve probably discovered something surprising.
There are dozens of styles to choose from.
- Salsa.
- Ballroom.
- Tango.
- Bachata.
- Contemporary.
- Street Dance.
But what if you already know all of those names? Maybe you’ve already tried a bunch of them, maybe not?
What if all you know is that you’d like to:
- Meet new people
- Have a hobby outside work
- Get a little fitter
- Laugh more
- Spend less time staring at your phone (actually if you do decide to turn up to our classes, please don’t continue to stare at your phone, yes we have experienced this before)
- Try something completely different
That’s actually how many people discover partner dancing. They aren’t looking for Lindy Hop because they’ve never heard of it. They’re looking for a feeling, a style of music that they love perhaps? An old timey style swing era & jazz music, something with a rhythm and a tempo closer to the pace of you heart beating while dancing (120 – 180+ bpm)
- Brooks Prumo Orchestra – https://brooksprumoorchestra.com/
- Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders – https://www.rhythmserenaders.com/
- Hot Sugar Band – https://hotsugarband.bandcamp.com/
- The Swing Shouters – https://swingshouters.bandcamp.com/
- Naomi & Her Handsome Devils – https://www.naomisdevils.com/
- Campus Five (Jonathan Stout & Hilary Alexander) – https://www.campusfive.com/
- The Shirt Tail Stompers – https://www.shirttailstompers.com/
- Pete Long and His Band – https://www.plong.co.uk/lindy-hop-pocket-basie/
- The Big Five – https://thebigfive.bandcamp.com/
- The Schwings Band – https://theschwingsband.bandcamp.com/
So what is this dance that we do?
The dance is called Lindy Hop.
It developed in Harlem, New York during the Swing Era of the 1920s and 1930s and is danced to energetic jazz music.
- It’s playful.
- It’s improvised.
- It’s social.
Unlike how many partner dances are viewed (including our own) we are trying not to teach students to memorise long routines with the goal of using that to become social dancers. We are not trying to teach that the partnership is a closed experience where every moment is lead and followed precisely, there is a little magic dust in the mix that makes it a bit special.
Instead, you’re learning how to communicate with another person through movement while enjoying fantastic music.
Do I need a partner?
No.
In fact, many people come by themselves. Classes regularly rotate partners, meaning you’ll dance with lots of different people throughout the evening. It’s one of the reasons people often make new friends so quickly.
What if I have two left feet?
Perfect.
There will be someone with two right feet, and together you will rule the dance floor… lol
No, but seriously. Everyone has to start somewhere and your first class isn’t about becoming an amazing dancer immediately. Please don’t, because you’ll put us out of a job.
However, it is about discovery, in the dance and sometimes within you. And of course whether this is something you’d enjoy to continue. Most people are surprised by how quickly they begin to feel comfortable. Especially in the after class gatherings.
Maybe you’ve already been looking for Lindy Hop…
…or maybe you’ve simply been looking for:
- A fun hobby
- Somewhere to meet people
- Something active after work
- A welcoming community
- A dance class where beginners don’t feel intimidated
If that’s you, you may have just discovered the dance you didn’t know you were looking for.
We’d love to welcome you to Sugar Hill Hop.
Ready to give it a try?
