When couples decide to take up Lindy Hop together, it can be a wonderful shared experience—full of fun, laughter, and new discoveries. But as with many things in life, learning to dance as a couple comes with its own unique challenges.
At Lindy Jazz, we recognise that many beginners feel safer sticking with their own partner, and that’s completely understandable. The thought of not knowing if you’ll keep up or do well in class can feel uncomfortable—or even terrifying. But we want to assure you that the culture of our classes is friendly, welcoming, and supportive. We are here to dance and to help one another.
That said, one of the best ways to make the most of your dance experience is to consider the idea of dancing with different partners. This teaches you to listen through movement, respond to different styles, and develop the essential skill of improvisation. But we also want you to feel comfortable—so while we encourage it, we never insist on it. You are always welcome to learn in a way that feels good for you.
The Good Intentions That Backfire
If you’re the more experienced partner, it can be tempting to help your other half by offering tips, corrections, or explanations. After all, you just want to make things easier for them, right? But in reality, this often has the opposite effect.
By stepping into a ‘teacher’ role, you may end up presenting the material differently from the class instructors, causing confusion or even contradicting what’s being taught. This can disrupt the lesson, overwhelm your partner, and—most importantly—take away their chance to learn and progress at their own pace.
Many beginners find being corrected by their partner frustrating or discouraging. They might feel self-conscious, pressured, or simply exhausted by the constant feedback. In fact, this kind of ‘help’ is one of the most common reasons why new dancers hesitate to return to class.
The Best Way to Support Your Partner
If you truly want your husband, wife, partner, or family member to enjoy learning and stick with it, the best thing you can do is give them space to learn.
✔️ Smile warmly and encouragingly—your partner is already trying their best.
✔️ Let them make ‘mistakes’—it’s all part of the process & we all make mistakes anyway.
✔️ Allow them to stumble and discover things for themselves—this builds confidence.
✔️ Trust the teachers to do the teaching—that’s what they’re there for!
And most importantly, if you really want to help, encourage your partner to dance with others. This may feel counterintuitive, but dancing with different partners helps them develop adaptability, connection, and confidence much faster than only dancing with you.
Dancing Together, Learning Independently
If you love dancing and want your partner to keep learning and enjoying it too, remember that the best support you can offer is patience, positivity, and a willingness to let go of control.
At Lindy Jazz, we’re here to help you both on your dance journey—without any ‘dance domestics’ getting in the way! 😉
💃🕺 Want to join a class where you both feel supported? Come and dance with us!