Aretia's Tribe

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What do you wear to a Lindy Exchange?

I haven’t been doing Lindy for very long, and I’m going with Swing Dance Club to a Lindy Exchange this weekend. I’m really excited to meet other dancers and learn new moves, but I have no idea what to wear! Jeans? Dress pants? Skirt?
Also, I am uncomfortable dancing in heels, so would jazz shoes be ok?

First rule of dance… wear something you are comfortable in and you can move in!

With Lindy Hop, will it be likely you will be lead in lifts? If so, jeans may not work (flexibility). A flowing skirt may be more suited. if you are staying “grounded” then jeans may well be alright (as long as they are soft or you could feel a lot of irritation on your knees and hips).

Jazz (or any flat soft soled) shoes are prefect for Lindy Hop, especially if out of practice.

What kind of dance shoes would be good for both Salsa and Swing dancing?

I’m taking these classes concurrently and I think I can do something better than sneakers. Any thoughts?

You need salsa shoes with heels, and swing shoes with about 1/4 or 1/2 inch heels. These are two totally different types of dance and require different shoes. Salsa is a sexy, long stride and only looks really good with a nice line of a heel at the end of your extended leg. You might be able to get another inch or two on your line with the right shoe. Swing requries slides and short steps, and an oxford tap shoe with no taps would be appropriate to excute the required quick, grounded, movement.

ExerDance Dancing In My Shoes: Swing