What is Lindy Hop/swing dance?
Swing Dance is an umbrella term that refers to styles like Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Charleston, Balboa, Shag, Jitterbug, and more! These styles are all about the music, so you'll often see them called "jazz dances". (After all, it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing.) They're also often called "vernacular dances" - this just means a dance that naturally emerged within a community, without formal instruction. These dance styles are descendants of African diasporic traditions. They were born on the dance floor in real time in response to the music being played, and they later developed alongside the music. They can be danced solo and/or with a partner.
Lindy Hop specifically is an electrifying dance that exploded out of the ballrooms, nightclubs, and rent & street parties of late 1920s Harlem. It's said the Savoy Ballroom was its origin point, which was one of the first ballrooms in the country to truly integrate audiences and dancers, but it was Black American dancers specifically that created and shaped Lindy Hop. Its roots are in styles like Charleston, Two-Step, Breakaway, and Tap.
Lindy Hop Vibe Check:
- Values: community, creativity, expression; Lindy Hop is democracy in motion - lead, follow, or freestyle, just bring your individuality!
- Culture: Built on improvisation, connection, and style.
- Aesthetics: High-energy, athletic, and rhythmically slick. Vintage swagger meets modern groove.
Take a spin around the floor with living history - we’ll teach you the moves; the music will teach you the rest.
If you're interested in digging deeper into the history, there is a LOT of great research out there. Here are a few places to start:
Lindy Hop specifically is an electrifying dance that exploded out of the ballrooms, nightclubs, and rent & street parties of late 1920s Harlem. It's said the Savoy Ballroom was its origin point, which was one of the first ballrooms in the country to truly integrate audiences and dancers, but it was Black American dancers specifically that created and shaped Lindy Hop. Its roots are in styles like Charleston, Two-Step, Breakaway, and Tap.
Lindy Hop Vibe Check:
- Values: community, creativity, expression; Lindy Hop is democracy in motion - lead, follow, or freestyle, just bring your individuality!
- Culture: Built on improvisation, connection, and style.
- Aesthetics: High-energy, athletic, and rhythmically slick. Vintage swagger meets modern groove.
Take a spin around the floor with living history - we’ll teach you the moves; the music will teach you the rest.
If you're interested in digging deeper into the history, there is a LOT of great research out there. Here are a few places to start:
I've done East Coast Swing before - is that like Lindy Hop?
Think of East Coast as Lindy Hop’s type-A, less jazzy younger cousin!
East Coast Swing was created in the 1940s by ballroom businessman Arthur Murray for his dance schools, using only the six-count steps from Lindy Hop. He thought this would make Lindy more marketable and easier to teach. His schools helped spread swing, but Lindy Hop is so much more - the full, unfiltered vintage brew has richer, more complicated rhythms (and history/culture).
Your East Coast experience? It’s a solid launchpad! Learning Lindy will add more flavor, history, and “hold my drink, I’m doing a swingout!” energy to your dancing.
East Coast Swing was created in the 1940s by ballroom businessman Arthur Murray for his dance schools, using only the six-count steps from Lindy Hop. He thought this would make Lindy more marketable and easier to teach. His schools helped spread swing, but Lindy Hop is so much more - the full, unfiltered vintage brew has richer, more complicated rhythms (and history/culture).
Your East Coast experience? It’s a solid launchpad! Learning Lindy will add more flavor, history, and “hold my drink, I’m doing a swingout!” energy to your dancing.
What is a social dance?
Social dancing is where you practice moves, make friends, and forget your day job exists. For 2 hours of great jazz music, you get to dance with new people, practice what you've learned, and have fun! We encourage all of our dancers, regardless of level, to hang out and dance with everyone.
A social dance is a Lindy Hopper’s delight - you don’t need a plus one, a pro résumé, or even a clue what you’re doing. Here’s the lowdown:
A social dance is a Lindy Hopper’s delight - you don’t need a plus one, a pro résumé, or even a clue what you’re doing. Here’s the lowdown:
- There'll be a beginner lesson to learn the basics, then live music or a DJ spinning 20s-40s bops for 2 hours of pure, unscripted joy. Expect lots of high-fives, laughter, and maybe a few “oops, my bad!” moments (we’ve all been there).
- You’ll dance with everyone - newbies, regulars, and that person who’s secretly a human pogo stick. Rotating partners isn’t just encouraged; it’s how we roll!
- First-timer fears? Shake it off - we've all been there! For details on what's good vs. bad etiquette at a social dance, check out our Code of Conduct
What if I don't know how to dance?
Don't sweat it! Everyone who dances had to start as a beginner. Lindy Hop is all about connection & movement, not perfection. We’re here to move, laugh, and turn “I can’t” into “I DID!”
A great starting place is our Social Dance and Intro to Lindy Taster Lesson (think “dipping your toe in the pool”). This lesson is our Social Dance Survival Kit that breaks down the basics easy-peasy before the social dance kicks off. No rhythm? No problem. All you need is your vibe! Our dances are for EVERYONE - two-left-feet newbies, wallflower warriors, and seasoned Lindy Hoppers alike.
Want to dive into the deep end? Our Progressive Class is a weekly class with content that builds on itself over the course of the month. This class is perfect for: brand new beginners, folks still perfecting their technique/footwork, more experienced dancers looking to strengthen their foundation or just shake off some rust, or anyone who wants to start learning their non-primary role.
Lindy Hop is a dance that has specific steps that can be done a million different ways. At the end of the day it's less about perfect technique and more about expression and your personal groove with your partner. Seriously, the only rule? Show up as you are. You're doing it right if you end the night with sweat and a smile.
P.S. Bring a buddy if you want, but prepare to make 20 new ones. Lindy’s not a clique - it’s a chaotic, fun jam session!
A great starting place is our Social Dance and Intro to Lindy Taster Lesson (think “dipping your toe in the pool”). This lesson is our Social Dance Survival Kit that breaks down the basics easy-peasy before the social dance kicks off. No rhythm? No problem. All you need is your vibe! Our dances are for EVERYONE - two-left-feet newbies, wallflower warriors, and seasoned Lindy Hoppers alike.
Want to dive into the deep end? Our Progressive Class is a weekly class with content that builds on itself over the course of the month. This class is perfect for: brand new beginners, folks still perfecting their technique/footwork, more experienced dancers looking to strengthen their foundation or just shake off some rust, or anyone who wants to start learning their non-primary role.
Lindy Hop is a dance that has specific steps that can be done a million different ways. At the end of the day it's less about perfect technique and more about expression and your personal groove with your partner. Seriously, the only rule? Show up as you are. You're doing it right if you end the night with sweat and a smile.
P.S. Bring a buddy if you want, but prepare to make 20 new ones. Lindy’s not a clique - it’s a chaotic, fun jam session!
Do I need a partner?
Nope! There's a reason we call it a social dance. Lindy Hop is like a potluck - everyone shares what they bring with the group!
Social dancing is all about connection, not just with one person, but the whole crew around you. In class and during the dance, we rotate partners - dancing with new people is the secret sauce that helps you learn faster, adapt like a pro, and discover your own unique style. Plus, it's the fast track to making new friends!
You can totally bring a buddy - the more the merrier! But don’t cling - explore. The magic’s in the mix! Whether you come with a buddy or come solo - come curious, come ready to shimmy with strangers. Bringing a buddy is optional, connections are guaranteed!
Social dancing is all about connection, not just with one person, but the whole crew around you. In class and during the dance, we rotate partners - dancing with new people is the secret sauce that helps you learn faster, adapt like a pro, and discover your own unique style. Plus, it's the fast track to making new friends!
You can totally bring a buddy - the more the merrier! But don’t cling - explore. The magic’s in the mix! Whether you come with a buddy or come solo - come curious, come ready to shimmy with strangers. Bringing a buddy is optional, connections are guaranteed!
What are leading & following? Which one should I do?
Leading and following are the roles in a dance partnership. They're more flexible than a lot of people think. It's like a conversation - no monologues here, just a spicy back-and-forth!
There are a lot of ways to describe or think of the roles. Here are a few we like -
Leading is the art of suggesting moves (think “DJ of the dance floor”), while following is the magic of interpreting those cues with flair. This isn’t about bossing and obeying - it’s a collaborative groove where the roles work together to create a killer party. Think of leading as starting the sentence and following as finishing it.
Leading is like planning the vacation (it doesn't mean that's exactly how your trip will play out, more that you have an idea of when you'll be where), while following is like showing up to the trip and going along for the ride - bringing your energy and spontaneous ideas. It's not about control and anticipation - it's a give and take from different perspectives to make a fun journey!
Leading teaches you to plan (challenge: don't over plan), and following hones your reflexes (challenge: react in the moment, rather than anticipating the next moment).
Which should you pick? People often feel like it they're a man, they should lead and if they're a woman, they should follow. BUT, people of all genders have been dancing both roles since the 20s! We recommend that you don't pick the role you think you're supposed to do, but that you pick the job that sounds like more fun.
Many dancers eventually learn both roles over time and sometimes switch roles mid-dance (called switch dancing). We recommend that when you're starting, you pick one role and stick to it for the night to keep it simple. If you don't love it, you can always try to other role the next night!
Bottom line: Your role is a choose-your-own-adventure! No pressure, no obligation. Still stuck? Flip a coin. Heads you follow, tails you lead!
There are a lot of ways to describe or think of the roles. Here are a few we like -
Leading is the art of suggesting moves (think “DJ of the dance floor”), while following is the magic of interpreting those cues with flair. This isn’t about bossing and obeying - it’s a collaborative groove where the roles work together to create a killer party. Think of leading as starting the sentence and following as finishing it.
Leading is like planning the vacation (it doesn't mean that's exactly how your trip will play out, more that you have an idea of when you'll be where), while following is like showing up to the trip and going along for the ride - bringing your energy and spontaneous ideas. It's not about control and anticipation - it's a give and take from different perspectives to make a fun journey!
Leading teaches you to plan (challenge: don't over plan), and following hones your reflexes (challenge: react in the moment, rather than anticipating the next moment).
Which should you pick? People often feel like it they're a man, they should lead and if they're a woman, they should follow. BUT, people of all genders have been dancing both roles since the 20s! We recommend that you don't pick the role you think you're supposed to do, but that you pick the job that sounds like more fun.
Many dancers eventually learn both roles over time and sometimes switch roles mid-dance (called switch dancing). We recommend that when you're starting, you pick one role and stick to it for the night to keep it simple. If you don't love it, you can always try to other role the next night!
Bottom line: Your role is a choose-your-own-adventure! No pressure, no obligation. Still stuck? Flip a coin. Heads you follow, tails you lead!
Where is it?
We have two distinct offerings with their own different locations.
Our bi-weekly Social Dance and Taster Lesson is every other Wednesday at the Lauderdale Tennis Club. Once you've parked in the spacious parking lot, head inside the big club building on the South side of the lot and up the stairs. The Tennis Club has wooden floors and a balcony where you can step outside for some fresh air. Down the balcony stairs, you'll find a water fountain, cups, ice chest, as well as a bar with a full kitchen!
600 Tennis Club Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Our bi-weekly Social Dance and Taster Lesson is every other Wednesday at the Lauderdale Tennis Club. Once you've parked in the spacious parking lot, head inside the big club building on the South side of the lot and up the stairs. The Tennis Club has wooden floors and a balcony where you can step outside for some fresh air. Down the balcony stairs, you'll find a water fountain, cups, ice chest, as well as a bar with a full kitchen!
600 Tennis Club Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Our weekly Tuesday night Progressive Classes are on hiatus for the summer! They'll be back in Ft. Lauderdale a couple months.
What's the floor like?
The floor at the Tennis Club (our Social Dances) is a nice wooden floor.
Don't have dance shoes? No sweat. Just wear shoes that won't fly off your feet when you kick and that slide - you want little to no tread on your soles. For example, running shoes have a lot of tread and will grip the floor too much - Keds or Converse have very little tread. Having shoes that will slide is important for your knees!
Please note: sandals and stilettos are prohibited.
Don't have dance shoes? No sweat. Just wear shoes that won't fly off your feet when you kick and that slide - you want little to no tread on your soles. For example, running shoes have a lot of tread and will grip the floor too much - Keds or Converse have very little tread. Having shoes that will slide is important for your knees!
Please note: sandals and stilettos are prohibited.
What should I wear?
Whatever you want! Some people at SOSF wear athleisure, some people dress up in vintage. We're 0% formal, 100% “get-down-to-business”.
Whatever your preferred level of dress, remember that you're coming to dance. And that we're in South Florida. Opt for breathable fabrics that stretch, spin, and can survive your wildest moves. We recommend shorts under skirts/dresses and an extra t-shirt if you expect to really work up a sweat!
See the question above for important information about what shoes to wear!!
Good Hygiene is the ultimate accessory: You'll be in close proximity to your dance partners. Please be mindful of your hygiene - shower, use deodorant, brush your teeth, and avoid strong scents/perfumes/colognes. Our dancers, who typically sweat a lot, often bring a towel and extra shirt to stay fresh!
P.S. Still overthinking? Throw on a tee, shorts, and shoes that slide - you'll be good!
Whatever your preferred level of dress, remember that you're coming to dance. And that we're in South Florida. Opt for breathable fabrics that stretch, spin, and can survive your wildest moves. We recommend shorts under skirts/dresses and an extra t-shirt if you expect to really work up a sweat!
See the question above for important information about what shoes to wear!!
Good Hygiene is the ultimate accessory: You'll be in close proximity to your dance partners. Please be mindful of your hygiene - shower, use deodorant, brush your teeth, and avoid strong scents/perfumes/colognes. Our dancers, who typically sweat a lot, often bring a towel and extra shirt to stay fresh!
P.S. Still overthinking? Throw on a tee, shorts, and shoes that slide - you'll be good!
Are there water fountains there?
Hydrate, feel great! It's extra important to make sure you stay hydrated while dancing in South Florida.
We recommend bringing a water bottle to dances & classes. At the Tennis Club (social dances), you'll find a water fountain, cups, ice chest, and bar with a full kitchen down the balcony stairs.
We recommend bringing a water bottle to dances & classes. At the Tennis Club (social dances), you'll find a water fountain, cups, ice chest, and bar with a full kitchen down the balcony stairs.
What's the COVID policy?
At this point, we don't have any COVID-specific requirements. Some of our dancers mask, some don't. We assume everyone's doing what they need to feel safe and comfortable dancing - be cool about it. The people in our community are pretty responsible. If you're feeling under the weather (whether or not you think it might be COVID), we ask that you stay home and join us next time around. We're in close proximity when we dance and we expect everyone to be considerate of that.
If you test positive for COVID following a dance or class, we ask you to let us know so that we can inform the other dancers who were there. It's not to single you out, it's so they can be aware and keep an eye out for symptoms in the following days. We haven't had cases in a while (knock on wood), but if there's a significant enough spike in cases within our community, we might ask folks to take a few simple precautions while at our events for a short and reasonable length of time.
If you test positive for COVID following a dance or class, we ask you to let us know so that we can inform the other dancers who were there. It's not to single you out, it's so they can be aware and keep an eye out for symptoms in the following days. We haven't had cases in a while (knock on wood), but if there's a significant enough spike in cases within our community, we might ask folks to take a few simple precautions while at our events for a short and reasonable length of time.
How much does the dance cost?
Wednesday Night Social Dance & Taster Lesson (Includes 45 minute lesson & 2 hour social dance)
*If this cost is prohibitive to you, check out our volunteer opportunities 2 questions below here! We want everyone to be able to dance.
- DJ Night: $10 General Admission, $6 Students
- Live Band Night: $15 General Admission, $10 Students
*If this cost is prohibitive to you, check out our volunteer opportunities 2 questions below here! We want everyone to be able to dance.
How much do classes cost?
Tuesday Night Progressive Classes are on hiatus for the summer! We will update this information when they return in a few months.
How can I attend for free?
Our community is volunteer-powered. Whether you have a unique skill or hidden talent that might help us level-up our game or you can just lend a hand setting up chairs, we need your hands! Volunteers get free entry to dances/classes (it's the least we could do).
What Volunteers Typically Do:
To Volunteer:
You can also ask at the front desk at any of our dances! (but they'll still ask you to fill out the google form...)
What Volunteers Typically Do:
- Social Dance setup/teardown
- Check-in crew (manning the front desk at Social Dances or Progressive Classes)
- Photography & Videography
- Social Media/Marketing
- Helping us monitor the A/C
- DJ (trained position)
- Taster Lesson Teaching Team (and teachers' assistants! - trained positions)
To Volunteer:
- Fill out our Volunteer Google Form
- Mary, our Volunteer Coordinator (aka Queen of the Chaos), will slide into your DMs with details.
You can also ask at the front desk at any of our dances! (but they'll still ask you to fill out the google form...)
Do I need to register ahead of time?
You can't register ahead of time for our Social Dances. They're pay at the door - Cash/Credit/Debit.
Yes, please for our Progressive Classes - you can pay at the door but signing-up in advance helps us get classes started faster and more smoothly. Please help make our lives a little easier!
Yes, please for our Progressive Classes - you can pay at the door but signing-up in advance helps us get classes started faster and more smoothly. Please help make our lives a little easier!
Do you teach aerials/air steps??
We teach aerials (or air steps) from time to time, but not super often. Social dancing is our bread and butter and aerials are banned on our social floors. We ask that you reserve aerials for performances/jam circles only. To be as safe as possible, please make sure that you have practiced these moves with your partner and that you have their consent before executing them. Every dancer is responsible for maintaining awareness of their own and their partner’s movement and spacing, as well as those of the dancers around them, in order to avoid any dangerous contact.
I missed the 1st class of the month - can I still join?
Because our monthly progressive classes build week to week, we have to close registration after the second week of each month, otherwise the class wouldn't be able to progress! But don't worry - when one class closes, the next month's opens. Our progressive classes can be taken in any order - so hop on in!
What should I do if something/someone makes me uncomfortable?
We know that disclosing an uncomfortable situation, conflict, or complaint can be challenging. Anyone who chooses to share a concern with SOSF organizers has the right to be heard, believed, and to have their privacy respected. We’ll do our best to let you decide how, where, and if your disclosure gets shared. And to give you a say in what happens next (or if anything happens at all). However, if the law requires it or someone’s safety is at risk, we might have to make a call you disagree with.
If you’re ever unsure about a situation (like, “Is this weird? Is this okay? Am I overthinking?”) SOSF organizers are here to chat. No stress, no judgment. Seriously, hit us up if something feels off, confusing, or just…meh. We’ve got your back!
What can you do if you have a negative experience at Swing Out, South Florida?
If you’re ever unsure about a situation (like, “Is this weird? Is this okay? Am I overthinking?”) SOSF organizers are here to chat. No stress, no judgment. Seriously, hit us up if something feels off, confusing, or just…meh. We’ve got your back!
What can you do if you have a negative experience at Swing Out, South Florida?
- If another person is involved, try to resolve the issue directly with them - express your concern, discomfort, etc., set boundaries, and ask for what you need.
- Ask for support from a friend, a witness, or a SOSF volunteer or organizer.
- Share your experience with the organizers in person or by email at [email protected]