The Lindy Hop, known for its energy and connection between partners, is one of the most iconic jazz dances. Solo Jazz, also called Authentic Jazz or simply Jazz, and Lindy Hop, are two dances of African-American culture of the same age. One cannot be understood without the other.
Nowadays, we generally learn Lindy Hop first for the pleasure it gives us and for the social situations it offers us. But, in my opinion, it would make more sense to learn to dance Jazz first or at the least simultaneously.
‘Without a doubt, learning to dance Solo Jazz will make you a better Lindy Hop dancer’.
Here are seven reasons why every Lindy Hopper should learn to dance Authentic Jazz:
- Connection with the history of Jazz
Solo Jazz has deep roots in Jazz culture and its evolution. Learning this dance enables the Lindy Hoppers to better appreciate the history and cultural connection of the dance, understanding its importance in the context of jazz and Afro-American dance.
- Improved musicality
In Solo Jazz classes, we work a lot with the music, its structure, intensities, accents, breaks... this gives you an understanding of the music that you can easily apply to Lindy Hop and will allow you to dance in a more expressive and authentic way with your partner.
- Rhythm development
Rhythm is one of the key elements of both Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop. In Solo Jazz classes there is a lot of emphasis on understanding rhythm. and the practice of complex rhythmic patterns. Practising it in solo will improve your rhythm when you dance Lindy Hop.
- Vocabulary improvement
Authentic Jazz includes a variety of steps, styles and movements that enrich your dance repertoire and that you can apply in Lindy Hop giving you greater versatility and personal style.
‘Working on my Solo Jazz has made me improve my Lindy Hop a lot’.
- Unique style
In the Jazz classes you can work much more on the expression with arms, head, torso... than in typical Lindy Hop classes. Many old Jazz clips give us inspiration to increase our movement possibilities and then apply it to Lindy Hop. - Mastery of improvisation
Jazz music is characterised by improvisation. In the same way, in Solo Jazz classes, improvisation is a very important part. It is a skill that will help us to flow more when we dance Lindy Hop. - Alone and in community
Despite being called ‘Solo Jazz’, it is rarely a truly solo experience. On the one hand, Solo Jazz allows you to practising solo without depending on having or not having a dance partner. But on the other hand, it offers you a unique opportunity to connect with other people at Lindy Hop social dances. You will never be looking for a dance partner again, you can dance alone or with friends. The idea is to create small jams that strengthen the sense of community.
Become a Solo Jazz dancer
Incorporating Solo Jazz into the practice of Lindy Hop not only enriches our skills as dancers, but also offers us a new way to express ourselves and connect with the rich history of jazz.
Authentic Jazz will not only give you a blast dancing, but will enrich your technique and style, while connecting you to swing music and a deeply meaningful cultural and artistic legacy.
