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First time to our events? Got questions? We have answers!
What should I wear?
What should I wear?
For clothes, you can wear whatever you like. Most people come in everyday clothes, but people wear anything from workout wear to pretty dresses and nicer shirts, so go with whatever makes you happy!
For shoes, wear anything comfortable. If you could gently jog on the spot for 20 minutes in the shoes and still be comfortable, they should be fine. Shoes with slipperier soles can be helpful too.
Do I need a partner?
Do I need a partner?
Definitey not! We rotate partners frequently during lessons and dances, and most people show up without a partner, so you are totally free to show up on your own. However, friends, partners, or family members are also very welcome — the more the merrier!
What do your events cost?
What do your events cost?
Our regular weekly events are always free! We believe dancing should be accessable to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
If you want to give back and support the community, come out to our events, bring your friends, and spread the word to others! You can also like, comment on, and share our posts on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) to help more people find out about us!
What if I don't know how to dance?
What if I don't know how to dance?
Great! Welcome! That's why we are here — to teach people to dance!
We adjust the lesson based on who is there, and we always start with basics when we have new people.
In addition, we usually have a mix of newer and more experienced dancers, so the more experienced dancers are always happy to help you out!
What if I can't attend every week?
What if I can't attend every week?
No problem! Classes are not progressive, so you are free to come some weeks and skip others. We usually teach new things each class, so you won't be behind if you miss a week.
Who can attend events? Who usually attends events?
Who can attend events? Who usually attends events?
Our events are open to everyone, and a wide range of people attend!
While we meet on MSU campus, our events are open to both community members and MSU affiliates (including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff). We usually have a mix of people from all these groups at our events.
Age-wise, we have had people from 15 to 80 years old dance with us! Infants and children are welcome to hang out in the room with us if they are not disruptive. Teenagers and older children are welcome to join in the classes if they are able to pay attention and participate.
In many cases, the dance can also be adjusted to accommodate various injuries and fitness levels (e.g., you can always take breaks or modify your dancing as needed).
What is the history of the lindy hop?
What is the history of the lindy hop?
Lindy hop originated in the swing era of the 1930s and 40s alongside the swing jazz music of the time. It was created in Harlem, New York City by African American dancers, as a blend of European dances such as the polka and earlier African American jazz and partner dances.
Though it has been danced continuously since that time, in the 80s and 90s, lindy hop had a resurgence in popularity. It is now one of the most well-known swing dances, and it is danced by people around the world today!
To learn more about the history of lindy hop and swing dancing, check out these resources.
What if I want to dance to other music besides jazz?
What if I want to dance to other music besides jazz?
Though lindy hop is most commonly danced to swing jazz music, you can definitely use your lindy hop moves to other music. End up at a country bar? Out on Latin night? Your favorite pop song comes on? Go for it! Just modify the timing or styling to match the music!
And lindy hop is closely related to several other partner dances, which are danced to different styles of music but share many common moves and patterns.
Examples include: Jive - 50s rock n' roll. Hustle - Disco. Chicago steppin' - R&B. West coast swing and East coast swing - Many styles, including modern pop music.
So whether you just want to rock out at the bar, or one day master all these different dance styles, learning the lindy hop provides a solid foundation in partner connection and improvisation, making the rest of your dancing easier and more fun!
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