Frequently Asked Questions
What the heck is "Lindy Hop"?
Lindy Hop is the authentic swing dance that originated in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, NY. It evolved out of the jazz music of the time and includes 6-count swing, 8-count swing, and Charleston. You may have heard it called "jitterbug" or just "swing dancing".
Is this the kind of dancing where the guy flips the girl over his head and stuff?
Yes, aerials are sometimes used in performances and competitions. Air steps are discouraged on the social dance floor.
I want to learn but I'm a total beginner. Where do I start?
Check under Ongoing Events for progressive class sessions and regular free beginner lessons. From Fall through Spring, you can find weekly beginner lessons on Tuesday nights and free beginner lessons on Wednesday nights in Portland.
I want to learn but I have two left feet. I can't dance.
First of all, that's not a question. Second of all, if you can walk, you can dance. All the beginner classes start with the assumption that you've never danced before. Anyone can do it if you try! Give it a shot and you'll see.
I want to learn but I don't have a partner. Sad face.
Again, not a question. It doesn't matter if you come to class or dances alone. We rotate partners in class and even people who come to dances with a partner dance with everyone, not just their significant other. It's a social dance!
I want to learn but I don't live close to Portland. Where can I go to dance?
Try Joyful Dancing or DownEast Dancers on Facebook. If you're not finding anything close enough, try traveling for big events, workshops or camps. They can be invaluable for learning a lot in a short amount of time.
What should I wear for dance class or to dances?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and be cool. Some people dress up a little more for dances, but it's certainly not required. Wear comfortable shoes that aren't too "sticky" on the the floor that allow you to slide a little and turn. Sneakers are ok, but only if they are worn down or won't grip the floor too much. Avoid high heels, boots, flip flops, and sandals. Many dancers wear smooth-soled shoes or sneakers that have chrome-leather on the bottom to enable turning. This will also protect your knees. Be prepared to change your shoes when you arrive if the weather is snowy or wet to avoid getting the dance floor messy.
What if nobody asks me to dance?
Then ask someone! Anyone is encouraged to ask anyone else to dance. Beginners are encouraged to ask more advanced dancers to dance, and vice versa. Women and men are equally empowered to do the asking. Most people will say "yes" if you ask them to dance! If you need to say "no" to a dance, just courteously respond that you are taking a break, or you prefer a different tempo, or politely say, "No, thank you" and smile.
What do "lead" and "follow" mean?
"Lead" and "follow" are the two roles in partner social dancing. The leader is traditionally a man and the follower, a woman, but anyone can learn either role. You are welcome to learn the non-traditional role if you wish!
How do I know if any of the events on the calendar have beginner lessons at the beginning?
If there is a lesson at the start of the event and we know about it, it will be listed in the description. Click on the event on the calendar to see the description. Many of the live music events listed do not have a lesson included.
Lindy Hop is the authentic swing dance that originated in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, NY. It evolved out of the jazz music of the time and includes 6-count swing, 8-count swing, and Charleston. You may have heard it called "jitterbug" or just "swing dancing".
Is this the kind of dancing where the guy flips the girl over his head and stuff?
Yes, aerials are sometimes used in performances and competitions. Air steps are discouraged on the social dance floor.
I want to learn but I'm a total beginner. Where do I start?
Check under Ongoing Events for progressive class sessions and regular free beginner lessons. From Fall through Spring, you can find weekly beginner lessons on Tuesday nights and free beginner lessons on Wednesday nights in Portland.
I want to learn but I have two left feet. I can't dance.
First of all, that's not a question. Second of all, if you can walk, you can dance. All the beginner classes start with the assumption that you've never danced before. Anyone can do it if you try! Give it a shot and you'll see.
I want to learn but I don't have a partner. Sad face.
Again, not a question. It doesn't matter if you come to class or dances alone. We rotate partners in class and even people who come to dances with a partner dance with everyone, not just their significant other. It's a social dance!
I want to learn but I don't live close to Portland. Where can I go to dance?
Try Joyful Dancing or DownEast Dancers on Facebook. If you're not finding anything close enough, try traveling for big events, workshops or camps. They can be invaluable for learning a lot in a short amount of time.
What should I wear for dance class or to dances?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and be cool. Some people dress up a little more for dances, but it's certainly not required. Wear comfortable shoes that aren't too "sticky" on the the floor that allow you to slide a little and turn. Sneakers are ok, but only if they are worn down or won't grip the floor too much. Avoid high heels, boots, flip flops, and sandals. Many dancers wear smooth-soled shoes or sneakers that have chrome-leather on the bottom to enable turning. This will also protect your knees. Be prepared to change your shoes when you arrive if the weather is snowy or wet to avoid getting the dance floor messy.
What if nobody asks me to dance?
Then ask someone! Anyone is encouraged to ask anyone else to dance. Beginners are encouraged to ask more advanced dancers to dance, and vice versa. Women and men are equally empowered to do the asking. Most people will say "yes" if you ask them to dance! If you need to say "no" to a dance, just courteously respond that you are taking a break, or you prefer a different tempo, or politely say, "No, thank you" and smile.
What do "lead" and "follow" mean?
"Lead" and "follow" are the two roles in partner social dancing. The leader is traditionally a man and the follower, a woman, but anyone can learn either role. You are welcome to learn the non-traditional role if you wish!
How do I know if any of the events on the calendar have beginner lessons at the beginning?
If there is a lesson at the start of the event and we know about it, it will be listed in the description. Click on the event on the calendar to see the description. Many of the live music events listed do not have a lesson included.