Jazz is a form of musical art that is unique to America and especially to the American 20th century, capturing the essence of America’s creativity, struggles, accomplishment and flair. When “jazz” emerged from that mix and match of global musics, it had so many identifiable flavors in it, but it somehow tasted completely new.   

Starting in the 1930’s American jazz bands played a kind of music called SWING which was bounding, rhythmic and was meant to inspire people to dance. Even during the darkest days of World War II--maybe because the days were so dark--American youth flocked to nightclubs and danced with wild abandon.

In the process they developed steps like the Lindy Hop which developed as a big band-era interpretation of the Charleston, which itself was a signature dance of the ‘20s. The Lindy Hop is an exuberant move characterized by a “send out,” during which partners flail outward away from each other and then flail just as enthusiastically back.     

In class we take the lead from Lindy Hoppers everywhere by sending our kids out, then, before we lose track of them altogether, bringing them, gleefully, back home.