The Lindy Hop Back on the Dance Floor
You have heard the saying that history repeats itself which is completely true if you look at fashion and dance. We all look at the stars in movies and get ideas for clothing as well as new dance moves. The truth is that many of the movies offer us a glimpse into days gone by so it all actuality when we take these components from movies were are repeating history but in many cases with a new twist.
One of the most popular fads today originated in the 1920’s and 1930’s with more flapper style clothing appearing on the runways as well as the T-strap pump. In the fashion world, more and more designers are using these classic clothing styles to create new styles using some of the components of the attire worn during this era.
After seeing the films, Boardwalk Empire by Martin Scorsese, Midnight in Paris and The Great Gatsby, is not only fashion taking notice of the 1920’s but also music and dance. The Lindy Hop is fast growing in popularity once again.
Why is the Lindy Hop so popular? The answer is quite simple, the Lindy Hop is a dance that allows you to create your own unique style. Everyone that dances the Lindy Hop will basically be doing the same steps but no two dancers look the same at all. The dance allows you to go slow, fast, wild, or graceful as the mood hits and the music makes your body move.
Many times when others watch the dancers doing the Lindy Hop, they believe it must be a long practiced dance; which is far from the truth. In most cases, all the fancy footwork and complex moves are actually spontaneous to the beat and rhythm of the music.
Once you learn the basic steps of the Lindy Hop, you can practice creating your own style by dancing to Bill Bailey by Ella Fitzgerald, Shufflin and Rollin by Buddy Johns, Snake Hips by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lindy Hopper’s Delight by Chick Webb, Jump Session by Slim & Slam, Savoy by Lucky Millinder, Cottontail by Duke Ellington, Splanky by Count Basie, and Ballin the Jack by Red Nichols.