FAQ

Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, born in Harlem, New York, during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. Created by the Black community, this dance evolved alongside jazz music and is the foundation for many other swing dances. Today, Lindy Hop continues to thrive worldwide, bringing joy to dancers of all ages.

To learn more about the history of Lindy Hop, check out this film from Yehoodi.

In partner dancing, there are two roles: leader and follower. The leader sets the structure of the dance by suggesting moves and timing, while the follower interprets and enhances these movements with their own style and creativity. Both roles are equally important and contribute to the “conversation” of the dance.

At Vermont Swings, you can choose whichever role suits you. For beginners, we recommend sticking to one role during your first class series to simplify the learning process.

With words! Making eye contact, smiling, and politely asking if someone would like to dance is a great approach.

Anyone can lead, follow, or do both. At Vermont Swings, we embrace the idea that dance roles (leader and follower) are not tied to gender. Dancers are encouraged to choose their preferred role(s) for any given dance. When inviting someone to dance, it’s helpful to discuss your role preference. Here are some ways to phrase it:

• “Do you mind if I follow?”
• “Will you lead me in this dance?”
• “Would you like to dance? I’m happy to either lead or follow.”

It’s also perfectly okay to say no to a dance. While we encourage dancing with different people, you are never obligated to dance if you’re not comfortable. A simple, polite “No, thank you” is enough. If someone declines a dance with you, accept their answer graciously and move on.

Encourage your partner to come out to social dances, meet other dancers, and practice in a welcoming environment. Be positive and supportive as they learn!

However, leave the teaching to us. Correcting your partner can unintentionally create stress and make learning less enjoyable. Let us handle the instruction so you can focus on being their biggest cheerleader.

Our classes generally rotate partners unless stated otherwise. If you prefer to stick with your partner, you’re welcome to do so—just let your instructors know, and they may ask you to step out of the rotation to avoid confusion.

That said, we strongly encourage new dancers to rotate partners. Here’s why:

1. Faster Learning: Rotating allows everyone to learn at their own pace without one partner holding back the other.
2. Balanced Skill Development: Dancing with a variety of partners helps avoid reinforcing habits that might limit your progress.
3. Personal Growth: You’ll learn to adapt to different styles, making you a more versatile and confident dancer.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy the learning process.

The best way to improve is to dance socially as often as possible. If you want to practice solo, focus on your basic footwork, solo jazz movements, or variations you’ve learned in class.

Listening to swing music is another great way to internalize rhythms and connect with the dance. Check out our Music Recommendations for inspiration.

Clothing: Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely. Layers are a good idea since you might get warm while dancing. Many students opt for things like jeans and T-shirts or active wear. You can also choose to wear something more dressy if you enjoy that. The key is to be comfortable and able to move freely! 

Footwear: Beginners can use shoes they already own. Look for comfortable shoes with moderate traction—worn-in sneakers often work well. Avoid high heels, flip-flops, or sticky-soled shoes that might strain your knees. It is important to change your shoes from what you came in to help us protect our wood floors and avoid tracking in mud, grime, salt, and slush.

If you’re ready to invest in dance shoes, ask an instructor or experienced dancer for recommendations.

We’re proud to be part of a welcoming, fun, and respectful dance community. To maintain this environment:

Always prioritize your comfort. It’s okay to decline a dance or sit out of an activity without explanation.

Follow our Code of Conduct, which applies to all classes and events.

Report inappropriate behavior to any instructor or board member. We take all concerns seriously and will address violations appropriately.

No partner is needed to take our classes! Most of our students attend solo, which is entirely normal and encouraged.

Lindy Hop is a social dance, and it’s common to dance with multiple partners in an evening. In class, we rotate partners to help you learn more effectively and build confidence dancing with a variety of people. Unless otherwise noted, all classes include partner rotation.

North Star Community Hall is located at 20 Crowley Street in Burlington. Street parking is available along North Avenue and nearby side streets. Please avoid parking in the cul-de-sac or blocking any driveways on Crowley Street. Be sure to plan a few extra minutes for parking and walking to the Hall.

We believe everyone should have access to dance education. If class costs are a barrier for you, please reach out to us at contact@vermontswings.com, and we’ll work to find a solution.

Yes, we do. Lindy Hop is a dance with deep roots in Black history and culture. As a community teaching this art form, we are committed to honoring its origins, uplifting Black voices, and taking action to support racial equity.

Absolutely! We welcome everyone, and creating a supportive, inclusive environment is one of our top priorities. For more details, see our Code of Conduct.