Step Into the Swing: Why Lindy Hop Is Chichester’s Happiest Dance Floor
It starts with a little curiosity, and maybe a nudge from a friend, but what happens next is something few expect. Inside a Lindy Hop class, nerves quickly give way to laughter, music takes over, and self-proclaimed “non-dancers” enjoy themselves smiling mid-step.
Rooted in swing and steeped in joy, this social dance is less about perfection and more about connection, expression, and letting go. We spoke to the team behind Chichester’s thriving Lindy Hop community to find out what keeps people coming back and why anyone, absolutely anyone, can join in.
For the completely uninitiated, what is Lindy Hop in three words?
Joyful, swing, dance
Be honest what usually brings people through your doors for the first time?
Curiosity, courage or being dragged by a friend?
We have a big presence at Goodwood Revival every year, spreading the joy of lindy hop on the dancefloor, and getting to dance to the joyful live music of the bands performing. We dress up and swing-out, and it’s a great opportunity for the public to see the dance in action – many of whom are then keen to come to our beginners’ course. Recommendations are also key, friends and family members of our community of local lindy hoppers.
What surprises people most after their first class?
That they can dance! The amount of times we hear ‘no,no,no I can’t dance’ or ‘I have two left feet’ is unbelievable. For some reason dance is thought of as a natural talent, but as with learning an instrument or a language dance is teachable! People normally shuffle into the first class a little apprehensive and are quick to say they’ve got no experience at all, but once the music comes on, people loosen up and the smiles come out, it doesn’t take long to be hooked.
Describe the atmosphere of a typical class in one sentence.
Joyous, social, playful.
What’s the most common thing beginners worry about, and how quickly does that disappear?
That they aren’t ‘dancers’; you don’t need to have a background or any prior experience of any type of dance to join us. The point of the beginners’ class is that everyone is learning together in a fun, safe space. Once they realise that as a beginners’ course they are amongst others learning too, the worries disappear.
No partner? No rhythm? Two left feet?
Convince someone they’ll still fit right in.
No partner is needed, lindy hop is a super inclusive dance, we encourage everyone to rotate and dance with others, it’s all part of the fun of the class. No rhythm, no problem, if you love music – especially swing, jazz and big band classics, you’re in the right place. For two left feet see above!
What’s one moment in a class that always makes you smile?
I love to see our beginners’ go from the nervous attendees signing in at the door, to smiling and laughing and moving round the dancefloor, and realising how fun lindy hop is. Connecting with others, meeting a fun group of people, have a break from the stresses of everyday life, and just having the opportunity to have a good boogie.
.If your group had a personality, how would you describe it?
King Louie or Baloo from the Jungle Book - keep it chilled, don’t take it too seriously, and have a dance! And just like these characters we love to dance to the Jungle Book classics I Wannabe Like You and Bare Necessities.
How does dancing Lindy Hop make people feel, midway through a song?
I’ll leave that one to one of the original pioneers of the dance the fabulous Frankie Manning who said: "I've never seen a Lindy Hopper who wasn't smiling. It's a happy dance. It makes you feel good".
Tell us about your community, what kind of people will I meet?
All sorts, we’re a diverse bunch of all ages and backgrounds who share a love for music and dancing. Beyond the dance-floor we’re a super friendly social group with a busy WhatsApp, events calendar, with friendships that extend far beyond the dancefloor.
What’s one myth about Lindy Hop you’d love to bust?
That you have to be a ‘dancer’ to join a lindy hop class – or that lindy hop is all about throwing your partner over your head with fancy aerial moves!
For someone hovering over the “book now” button… what would you say to them?
One of our Autumn 2025 beginners described the course as ‘joyful, fun, uplifting, freeing, new skill and exercise too!’ I think that sums it up. Sign up and put some spark into your Wednesday evenings.
And finally what keeps you coming back week after week?
The people, the music, the laughs.
Chichesters Lindy Hoppers, next beginners’ course starts on Wednesday 6th May, 7pm-8pm at the New Park Centre, booking in advance essential.
See: https://chichesterlindyhoppers.co.uk/beginners/ for more details or email chichesterLH@gmail.com to book on.