Lindy Hop is the primary dance we teach, originating in African American communities in Harlem, New York, in the late 1920s. It is an improvisational partner dance within the vernacular jazz tradition, characterised by rhythmic play, individual expression, and strong connection between partners. Lindy Hop evolved from earlier social dances such as the Cakewalk, Breakaway, and partnered Charleston, and reflects African diasporic traditions including grounded movement, call-and-response, and circle-based social dancing.
Charleston is one of the most famous dances of the jazz age, still widely recognised today (regularly featuring on Strictly Come Dancing). It can be danced solo or with a partner and originated in African American communities in the southern United States, particularly around Charleston, South Carolina. It rose to widespread popularity in the 1920s, and later evolved during the swing era into forms that better matched the rhythms of Lindy Hop, often referred to as 30s Charleston or Lindy Charleston.
Information about the classes
Mondays
Join us to start your journey into Lindy Hop & Charleston dancing with classes suitable for complete beginners. No partner required!
We run 4-week progressive blocks so you can build your skills step by step, making it easier to start as a complete beginner and to grow as an improver.
When?
Level 1 from 6.30pm – see our classes calendar
Note that new beginners are welcome to start on the first week of any block.
Level 2 from 8pm – see our classes calendar
New to Lindy Hop and unsure about jumping into the full block? Turn up for Week 1 of any block and pay £9 to try the class, if you’d like to continue with the block we can upgrade you to the full block price.
Price
Block of 4 Classes: £30 (£26 Students).
Drop-in: for new students on first week of any new block: £9 (£8 Students), subject to availability.
Venue
Southernhay Church Hall, Dix’s Field, EX1 1GF (///yard.host.taken – what3words)
Thursdays
Our brand-new weekly class, taught by Kiki and occasional guest teachers. Each week we’ll explore a different aspect of Lindy Hop, from rhythm and musicality to connection, technique, styling, variations and classic moves.
Every session is different, so you can drop in whenever you like. Lindy Lab is designed for improver + dancers who are comfortable with the basics and want to keep learning in a fun, relaxed environment.
When?
Thursdays – see our classes calendar
Price
Drop in price £7.50 or combine with Vernacular Jazz for £10 for both.
Venue
Dinham Room, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG
FAQs about Lindy Hop blocks
- Do I have to wait till the next block starts? Level 1: Yes, to maintain the progressive nature of the class content, if you cannot attend the first week, you will need to wait until the next block begins. Level 2: You can drop in anytime, however due to the progressive structure, attending every week is encouraged.
- When can I progress from Level 1 to Level 2? After you have completed all 4 blocks from Level 1 and are confident with all Level 1 content.
- Can you tell me what the content is for the blocks? Check out the class calendar for information on what the next block’s content is.
- What happens if I miss a class? Unfortunately we will not be able to refund a missing week, however you will be able to access recap videos to catch up. If you booked a block but can no longer attend, let us know to potentially defer to your next available block.
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