lindy hop
Lindy Hop is a partner dance that has its roots in 1930's New York, Harlem. Lindy Hop is often called “the mother of swing dances” as many other swing dances are based on Lindy Hop. Improvisation is a big part of this dance, and it is mostly danced to swing music (Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie…). Lindy Hop is a fun and laid-back dance that is getting more and more popular all over the world. It is easy to get into Lindy Hop as you can get by with just the basic steps and a few basic moves on the dancefloor. Lindy Hop is more about the interpretation of music than repeating strictly defined moves. There’s plenty of room for your own creativity: there are no mistakes in Lindy Hop, just variations!
Different kinds of dance events are an important part of the Lindy Hop culture. At social dances everyone can dance freely according to their own skills. Usually the best moments of inspiration are experienced together on the dancefloor. There are also solo Lindy Hop dance routines that are known around the world and which you can join in. These routines are a part of the Lindy Hop culture and often come up at parties. At SwingO’s social dances people dance with everyone, no matter the skill level. We love welcoming new dancers so come by and check out our events: in winter we organize dances at cafés and in summer we dance outdoors!
swingo ry
SwingO ry became a registered association in 2014. Before that there had been Lindy Hop classes under the local dance association Iso O since autumn 2012. SwingO’s aim is to promote swing dance culture and offer dance opportunities in Oulu. The association organizes Lindy Hop courses in autumn and spring terms and dances and events around the year. The biggest event is SwingO Hop, a weekend workshop in spring that includes dance parties and classes on different levels. Lindy Hop is the primary dance taught on SwingO’s courses but we aim to organize courses in other swing dances too (Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Blues…). SwingO is a non-profit association run by volunteers. We would be happy to welcome new people to the team!
SwingO’s dance etiquette
At Lindy Hop dances everyone can ask anyone to dance when they feel like it.
At SwingO’s dances we usually dance one song at a time with the same dance partner. You can of course dance more than one song if you both agree to it. After the dance we thank our partner for the dance.
Your gender or sex doesn’t define your role in Lindy Hop. You can dance in any role you want; as a leader or follower or switching between these two.
We try to dance with as many people as possible so that everyone can get on the dance floor. We try to pay extra attention to new dancers so that they have a chance to get in on the fun too.
If someone asks you to dance and you are in the middle of eating or having a chat, you can politely decline. If you want, you can return the favour by asking them to dance later.
We don’t comment on our dance partner’s technical skills unless they specifically ask us for feedback.
On the dance floor we make sure everyone has room to dance. Lifts and jumps are better left to performances and training sessions when there is usually more room.
We take others into consideration also by avoiding use of perfumes.
At SwingO’s events there is zero tolerance for all kinds of bullying and discrimination. Dancing is based on mutual respect.
You are welcome to join us just the way you are!
“It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it!
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