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.

It's time to step up your break step. This soft shoe version of the break step is used in the original tap dance version of the Shim Sham Shimmy. It’s more challenging than the break step version we showed in Level 1, but is absolutely accessible with practice. This assumes you are comfortable with the Level 1 Shim Sham.

Time to take ownership of this classic routine. Using one example, Jo breaks down the general concept of maintaining the musical structure while creating new variations. Then in the demo video, Jo and Kevin let go and dance, which is a great example of them owning the routine and contributing their personal style and flare. Use it to inspire your own progression. The ultimate goal is for you to express yourself on the dance floor with ease, precise rhythm, and own personal style.