Last weekend, Andy & I were teaching a private lesson, and one of the biggest advantages of private lessons is that students can ask for specific tips, tricks, and techniques based on their own goals. One common concern that comes up, especially among Lindy Hop dancers, is feeling nervous or inadequate when dancing with someone more experienced. Yet, they also know that to improve, it’s important to dance with partners of all levels.
For followers, a common worry is not being able to keep up with every single move, improvisation, or decoration their leader introduces. My advice? If you want to be a confident dancer—be yourself. You don’t need to mirror, or creatively respond to every movement. The reason I feel confident as a dancer is that I keep my movements simple, with a strong foundation in the basics. I focus on the music and the feeling of the dance rather than overthinking every step. If you’re constantly thinking instead of feeling, your dancing can become less spontaneous and less responsive.
This applies especially to Lindy Hop, where social dancers often improvise to different songs, including unfamiliar ones, and dance with partners they’ve never met before. For leaders, a similar concern arises—feeling pressure to lead a vast repertoire of moves. My advice? You guessed it—keep it simple. If you want your partner to enjoy the dance and follow you comfortably, focus on solid fundamental techniques and clear movement.
Confidence Comes from Strong Foundations
Confidence doesn’t come from knowing endless flashy moves—it comes from having rock-solid fundamentals. These techniques may seem basic, but like any foundation, if they’re shaky, your confidence will be too.
That’s why at Lindy Jazz, we focus on building strong foundations so you can feel confident, relaxed, and free to enjoy social dancing.
💃🕺 Ready to build your confidence on the dance floor? Our next Lindy Jazz course starts on 30 April—join us and dance with ease!