May 26

World Lindy Hop Day

Get ready to swing and jive on World Lindy Hop Day! Time to dust off those dancing shoes and celebrate this joyful dance style.

Yearly Date

May 26

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get your dancing shoes ready because May 26 is World Lindy Hop Day! This lively and energetic dance style originated in the 1920s in Harlem, New York City, and quickly spread across the world. It's a mix of various jazz dances and incorporates elements of tap, Charleston, and breakaway moves. Not only is it a fun way to stay active and express yourself, but it also holds a special place in history as a symbol of unity and joy during difficult times. So let's celebrate this day by putting on some swingin' music and busting out our best Lindy Hop moves!

World Lindy Hop Day Timeline

1920s

Lindy Hop Origins

The Lindy Hop dance style originated in Harlem, New York City, as a hybrid of many jazz dances popular during the Harlem Renaissance.

1935

First Lindy Hop Competition

The Savoy Ballroom held its first Lindy Hop dance competition, further popularizing the dance style.

1937

Hellzapoppin' Performance

Lindy Hoppers famously performed in the Broadway show, "Hellzapoppin," increasing its visibility in mainstream culture.

1980s

Swing Revival Period

The 1980s and 1990s saw a "Swing Revival," in which Lindy Hop enjoyed a resurgence in popularity worldwide.

2003

World Lindy Hop Day Founded

Swing dancer, author, and aficionado Elliott Donnelley founded World Lindy Hop Day to honor the contributions of Frankie Manning, a pioneer of the dance.

How to Celebrate World Lindy Hop Day

1 Host a Lindy Hop dance party

Invite your friends over for a fun and festive Lindy Hop dance party! Put on some swing music, decorate the room with vintage-inspired decor, and get ready to dance the night away.

2 Attend a Lindy Hop workshop

See if there are any Lindy Hop workshops or classes happening in your area. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this fun and energetic dance style while celebrating World Lindy Hop Day.

3 Organize a Lindy Hop flash mob

Get a group of friends together and plan a surprise Lindy Hop flash mob in a public place, like a park or shopping center. This is sure to spread joy and excitement to those who witness it!

4 Create a Lindy Hop inspired playlist

Put together a playlist of your favorite swing and jazz music to dance to on World Lindy Hop Day. You can even share it with friends and family for them to enjoy as well!

5 Dress up in vintage attire

Get in the spirit of World Lindy Hop Day by dressing up in vintage clothing. Whether it’s a full 1920s-inspired outfit or just a fun accessory, it will add to the festive atmosphere of the day.

Why We Love World Lindy Hop Day

It celebrates a unique dance style

Lindy Hop is a high energy, partner dance that originated in Harlem, New York during the 1920s and 1930s. It has since spread to different parts of the world and gained popularity for its fun, swing-style moves. World Lindy Hop Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this vibrant and fun dance!

It brings people together

Lindy Hop is known as a social dance that encourages interaction and connection between dancers. World Lindy Hop Day is a chance for dancers from all over the world to come together and celebrate their shared love for this dance. It's a great way to meet new people and make new friends!

It honors an important part of history

Lindy Hop is not just a fun dance, it also holds cultural significance as it emerged during a time of racial segregation in the United States. Celebrating World Lindy Hop Day allows us to appreciate and remember the people who created and popularized this dance, as well as the diverse communities that continue to pass it on.