Anyone can jump in and learn theses jazz steps even if you haven't learned all the simpler ones. However, primarily use these videos as a reference point in learning these steps. It's important that eventually they become your own, but at the core the timing and general principles will be timeless.
Anyone can jump in and learn theses jazz steps even if you haven't learned all the simpler ones. However, primarily use these videos as a reference point in learning these steps. It's important that eventually they become your own, but at the core the timing and general principles will be timeless.
Crawls are simultaneously basic and really complex. So many elements of solo and partner dancing rely on these skills. So jump in and go for it. Depending on your previous movement training/practice these steps might seem easy and fun or difficult and frustrating.
The Sham 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.
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.
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.
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.
A combination of classic solo jazz moves commonly used in lindy hop. These can be found in line dances and with a little creatively, can be adapted as styling options to enhance your partner dancing.
Another set of classic solo jazz moves commonly used in lindy hop. These can be found in line dances and with a little creatively, can be adapted as styling options to enhance your partner dancing.
These are great moves to have at the ready for authentic solo jazz competitions, jam circles and for use in creating vintage inspired choreographies of your own.