Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why would I want to learn Swing Dancing?
A: The people are fun, the music is fun and the dancing is fun! No matter what swing scene you are in or visit, you can't help but meet lots of great people--and have tons of fun in the process! More and more people are re-discovering swing and jazz music, and learning the Lindy Hop, making it one of the most popular social dances today. Finally, dance lessons are a great way to meet people, exercise, socialize--and you're guaranteed to meet more than a few new friends.

Q: What dances do you teach?
A: We teach Lindy Hop, East Coast, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. This is the dancing you may have seen in Swing Kids, Malcolm X, and the Khakis Swing Gap commercial. We also will occasionally bring in out-of-town instructors to teach. We currently have dance classes every Thursday Night.

Q: Which class level should I take?
A: You should start with Thursday's Swing 101 classes. They are designed for beginners with no experience to people who have danced a few months. For more info on class levels, please see our Level Descriptions page.

Q: Do I need to bring my own partner to take your classes?
A: This is not necessary. Both couples and singles are welcome to our classes. Many people register by themselves and usually we have a good gender balance. We do rotate partners frequently so that nobody is asked to stand out during the lesson.

Q: What should I wear?
A: You should wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes to your first classes (no flip-flops, though). Eventually many people invest in comfortable suede-soled dance sneakers.

Q: What is Red Hot Lindy Hop's mission?
A: Red Hot Lindy Hop is dedicated to the preservation of the vintage swing dances, as well as sharing our knowledge with those willing to learn. Red Hot Lindy Hop's board of members works to promote swing dancing here in Memphis through lessons, dances, and workshops.

Q: What's a Lindy Bomb?
A: Basically, it's when swing dancers go to a public venue where there is not normily swing dancing and dance. Sometimes we may go where there is live music. And there's a place with a juke box that we like to lindy bomb often - we play music on the juke box and dance. Its not something we have to organize. All we do is show up and dance. Its always a blast!