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Shim Sham (Level 1 – 3)
The Shim Sham has become a global Lindy Hop phenomenon. When in doubt….Shim Sham! We have 3 versions for you to learn based on your current skill level or if you need inspiration in deciding what to teach your students. Originating in the tap dance community in the 1920s from Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant, Lindy Hoppers have since modified it to work for “soft shoe” dancing. The primary version used in the global Lindy Hop community was introduced by Frankie Manning to NYC in the 1980s.
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Slip Slop Shim Sham (Level 4)
Originally choreographed by Dax Orion and Kevin St. Laurent in 2007 at Herrang Dance Camp, the Slip Slop Shim Sham is a fun way to push your sliding skills. It uses the same structure as the Shim Sham, but involves tricky slide moves. Proper shoes and a proper floor can make all the difference with this short routine. It’s also great to dance simultaneously while the rest of the room is dancing the traditional Shim Sham.
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Al & Leon Shim Sham (Level 4)
A variation of the Shim Sham as performed by Al Minns and Leon James, two famous original Lindy Hoppers who were part of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. No prior knowledge of the original Shim Sham is necessary. It’s great for expanding your personal jazz movement and very versatile for incorporating into larger lindy routines.
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California Routine (Level 3 – 5)
A classic short piece of choreo (32 bars) from the famous Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. This is a must know for any Lindy performer or competitor. Level 5 is the primary version Kevin and Jo use. Level 3 & 4 are adapted versions for lower tempos and for when you don’t have a partner you can do aerials with.
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Big Apple (Level 4)
This is specifically a version of the Big Apple routine as choreographed by Frankie Manning for Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. It can be seen in the film Keep Punching. The music used here was transcribed by Solomon Douglas from the film clip and recorded by the Solomon Douglas Swingtet. This routine can be used as is for performance gigs and/or played as a line dance during a social dance. It has a solo and partnered sections. This might be Jo’s all time favorite routine. She has been spotted running enthusiastically from conversations, waiting for a drink at the bar, from the middle of dinner and even from the car as it pulls up to the social dance when she hears this song.
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Vilnius Routine (Level 3 & 4)
This is 32 bars (16 Eight counts) of Lindy Hop choreography that Kevin and Jo created while being stuck in Vilnius, Lithuania when their next gig was cancelled due to an earthquake in Italy. The format takes inspiration from the California routine. It’s full of cool moves and can be used as a building block for bigger routines. Feel free to modify it for a particular song or use it as a training choreo with your competition or performance partner.
Modules
Choreographies
Routinelettes
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“Sister Kate” – Slow Tempo (Level 3)
A short and slow routinelette as a little challenge to get your grove on. It’s only 4 eight counts long. Once your comfortable with the pattern, you can then use each of these moves independently in your social dancing.
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“Blip” – Mid Tempo (Level 3)
A fun 4 eight count routinelette. Learning little set sequences can expand on your vocabulary and musicallity when social dancing.
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“Jazz Band” – Fast Tempo (Level 3)
A 4 eight count routinelette with a fun partner clap with an upbeat tempo.
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“Woke Up” – Slow Tempo (Level 4)
A nice 8 eights routinelette that has some bigger moves. The first two eight counts are a shout out to the Madison line dance originating out of Columbus, Ohio and danced in the late 1950’s into the 1960’s.
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¨Last Call¨- Mid-Tempo (Level 4)
This 4 eight count routinelette can be used on almost any 32 Bar Swing section of music. The swivels on the end work really well at the end of phrases.
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¨Changes¨ Fast Tempo (Level 4)
This 8 eight count routinelette incorporates partner charleston with an upbeat tempo.
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“Bump Routine” – Slow Tempo (Level 5)
A short 4 eight count routinelette that has some challenging spinning for the follower. You can technically spin as little or as much as you’d like, but whatever you choose…fill the musical space. This might be a good motivator to work on one’s solo spinning skills as they will be required.
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“Lester” Mid-Tempo (Level 5)
A 6 eight count routinelette with some tricky footwork.
