Lindy Hop Basics: 6-Count Rhythm and Partner Hold

Step by step 10

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

1. Groove first: soften your knees and bounce on every beat, then step every other beat, every beat and freestyle. 2:26
2. Basic rhythm: clap along to get it in your head, then step it: rock step, triple step, triple step. 3:27
3. If the triple step is tricky, gallop forward and back, shorten the gallop, then add the rock step. 4:25
4. Three ways to dance the basic: travelling forward and back, staying in place, then in and out. 5:36
5. Closed position: the leader gives a side hug with the right arm; the follower's left arm rests bent at the elbow. 6:22
6. Starting together: lean forward on your outside leg and bounce, then rock step back after the song's intro. 6:54
7. Dance the basic with your partner in closed position, keeping the relaxed bounce. 7:30
8. Open position: a hand-to-hand hold with gentle tension, so neither of you has to squeeze. 8:22
9. Rotate the basic: turn gradually to the right together, then to the left, stepping under yourself. 9:17
10. Put it all together: closed, open and rotating, keeping the same rhythm and the groove. 10:15

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.