Lindy Hop is an exuberant Black American partner dance that got its name in 1927 and rose to widespread popularity throughout the 1930s and ’40s—continuing to thrive to this day. Originating in Harlem, New York at the legendary Savoy Ballroom, Lindy Hop is a black American legacy dance form that has gone on to influence countless other dances, music styles, and popular culture for nearly a century.

Hallmarks of the dance include its emphasis on improvisation, musicality, and individuality. Lindy Hop has long resisted formal codification, instead celebrating creative expression and an organic, ongoing conversation between dance partners and the music.

Rooted in the unique cultural experiences and values of Black Americans, Lindy Hop carries a rich history that is inseparable from the dance itself. To truly engage with Lindy Hop is to respectfully learn from and honor the culture and history that gave rise to this beautiful, one-of-a-kind art form. 

Queer Lindy Hop is Lindy Hop by, for, and in celebration of LGBTQIA+ people. It is both an approach to partner dancing and a perspective on it — one that honors the Black and Queer roots of jazz and swing-era dances. Queer Lindy reimagines social dancing through an inclusive lens, celebrating diverse and intersectional identities and creating space for everyone to express themselves fully on the dance floor.

If you count yourself as an ally, or someone who hangs in queer spaces and understands how to not center yourself while respecting others - you will be very welcome and enjoy our classes! 

Our Classes are ELEF: Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows with an “Open Role” mindset about who can suggest or support steps and ideas!

Practically speaking, in all of our classes you will be asked to dance from both sides of the partnership, and be able to “lead” and “follow” ideas from your partner regardless of what what side of the partnership you are dancing on.

We teach this way at every level of class. This not only breaks down traditional gender roles associated with partner dancing, but also creates dynamic, musical, and compassionate partner dancers with a unique super power!!! Plus, it’s incredibly fun!

What is Switch & Open Role Lindy Hop?

Switch dancing means changing roles mid-dance. “Open Role” or “Fluid” Lindy Hop means anyone can lead or follow, while on either "side" of the partnership and of course regardless of gender. These approaches, deeply influenced by queer dancers, challenge traditional partner dance norms and embrace a more expressive, non-binary way of dancing, replacing power dynamics with co-creation and musical exploration.

Please reach us at QueerSwingSeattle@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.