Q. What is Lindy Hop?
​A. Lindy Hop is a partnered dance, originally developed by the African American communities in Harlem, New York during the late 1920s. The dance itself consists of both 6 and 8 count steps and includes footwork borrowed from Charleston and Tap. With its exciting and spontaneous nature, it is easy to see why this dance style quickly grew in popularity across the world. Learn More About Lindy Hop >>

Q. Swing dance...Lindy Hop...is there a difference?
​A. Swing dance is an umbrella term to describe a variety of different dance styles that were developed primarily by African American dancers during the 1920s to 1940s in response to the popular music of the time (jazz and big band).
Learn More About Swing Dance >>

Q. What kind of swing dances do you teach?
​A. We specialize in several different types of swing dance including but not limited to Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and Solo Jazz. We will specify in our event descriptions what style of dance we will be teaching that week, but our drop in beginner lessons are centered around Lindy Hop. Learn More About The Different Dance Styles  >>

Q. Can anyone learn to swing dance?
​A. Lindy Hop is uniquely accessible to most everyone, even if you have no dance experience. Drop in some time and we'll have you out on the dance floor in no time!

Q. How do I get started?
​A. Come and see what’s happening, we will make sure you get to know some people and have a great time.  Swing dancing is a very social activity and it’s impossible to avoid a good time if you just show up.

Q. Do I need any prior experience?
​​A. Nope! Unless otherwise stated in an event description, you don't need any prior dance knowledge. Our beginner lessons are designed to teach you from the ground up so no prior experience is necessary

Q. Do I need to bring a partner?
​A. Not at all! While it is perfectly fine to bring a partner, we do rotate frequently during all of our lessons. Dancing is a great way to meet new friends and rotating partners gives everyone a chance to meet and dance with lots of different people.

Q. What is the difference between the leader and the follower role?
​A. Leads initiate moves during a dance and followers respond to and make the moves happen!

Q. Should I lead or follow?
​A. You can do either! It's entirely up to you whether you take our classes as a lead or as a follow. Lots of women lead and lots of men follow. Both roles are awesome and many people learn both to better understand the mechanics of the dance!
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Q. What should I wear?
​A. Wear something that you feel comfortable in! There is a wide range of dressy-ness at our dances, so just be yourself and dress in something that is both comfortable and expresses your personal style. Our only suggestions are:
  • Wear clothing than you can move in
  • If you choose to wear a skirt or a dress, don't forget a pair of dance shorts underneath as your skirt/dress will fly up!
  • Wear shoes that won't fall off or stick to the floor. For safety reasons, we suggest against high heels and flip flops as they are more likely to cause injury to yourself or those around you.
Q. Where are classes held?
​A. Thomas Jefferson Tower
​2nd floor, next to Roots & Revelry
1623 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

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Q. Where do I park?
​A. The closest parking available is on the street, but there are a few parking decks within a 3 block radius that start at about $5 for 3 hours. Street parking is free after 5 pm.
Q. Do you have the basics written down so I can review it?
​A. Check out Lindyhopmoves.com for excellent free instructional videos from some of the world's best teachers. 
To get started, we recommend the Fundamentals section for 6-count and 8-count lesson videos.

We also have curated Youtube playlists available on our Practice Videos page.

Q. Where can I find practice music?
​A. We have practice music available via Youtube and Spotify playlists! Check them out on our Practice Music page.
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Q. Do you sell Steel City Swing merchandise?
​A. Yes! Head on over to Redbubble to pick and customize your own Steel City Swing Swag.