Shuffle Projects

Swinging Projects for Lindy Hop & Balboa Dancers

30 Day Lindy Hop Challenge

30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: That Move That Eludes You

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Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the
“30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“.

Last week we started with moves, here is another one.

Week #19: Jazz Steps Challenge Me

Well, this is not that easy to answer.

Basically, I can learn and execute all of the steps, but sometimes, it needs me a lot of effort to memorize how to start them. Two examples:

  • Camel Walks
  • Squat Charleston

If you feel the same, then here is a nice reference. I don't judge on the execution of the various steps in this video, since all of them are done in all kind of variations.

Alphabetical Jazz Steps

This is the bigger and longer version of the original clip from 2009.


« Previous: #18 That Move You Love
» Next: #20 Your Swing Shoes

30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: That Move You Love

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Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the
“30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“.

Let's talk about moves.

Week #18: Texas Tommy

I like the Texas Tommy and all the variations that use the concept of bringing the follow's arm behind her back and creating fluent movements.

It takes some time and practice especially to get this flow.

“Texas Tommy Yo-Yo”

“Texas Tommy Yo-Yo” by Kevin St. Laurent & Jo Hoffberg. The quality of this clip is horrible, but you get the idea of the variations I'm talking about.


« Previous: #17 Styling
» Next: #19 That move that eludes you

30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: Styling

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Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the
“30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“.

Today, I'm posting another picture.

Week #17: My favorite vintage style picture

Styling: Walt Disney & Animators in the 1920s
Walt Disney and his team of animators in the 1920s

This is my favorite vintage style picture ever, found on Bobby White's blog Fine & Dandy.

I own a pair of original (scratchy wool!) knickerbockers from the 1930s myself and that's exactly how I would like to combine them: with patterned stockings and a sweater tucked into the pants.


« Previous: #16 Photo of you dancing
» Next: #18 That move you love

30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: Photo Of You Dancing

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Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the
“30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“.

Week #16: A Fantastic Snapshot

Christian Bossert and Tiphaine Paillard @ SHSC 2011
Dancing with Tiphaine @ SHSC 2011. Photo by Stefan Deuber.

This photo was taken at the Studio Hop Summer Camp in Eauze France in 2011. I was dancing in the Balboa Jack & Jill finals with Tiphaine Paillard.

I just love it. A fantastic snapshot by Stefan!

I can't remember what was that funny but obviously, we were quite relaxed 😉


« Previous: #15 Favorite classic clip
» Next: #17 Styling

30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: Favorite Classic Clip

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Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the
“30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“.

We're reaching the middle of the series.

Week #15: Classic Clip “A Day At The Races”

Beside Hellzapoppin (who would have thought it?…), there's another classic clip I can watch again and again:

That's a very lively clip, there's so much going on. I love Ivie Anderson, the dancing fat man is cult and of course the inspiring Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, although without Frankie Manning!

It was another group of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers dancing in this clip. At that time, Frankie was performing with his group at the Cotton Club in New York.

Frankie writes in his book Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop:

“Some people think that I choreographed Day at the Races, but I don't say that. Before the Ethel Waters group left New York, each couple did their own solo, and I coached them and gave them suggestions about where to put steps. This is where their individuality came out.

Then I gave them the ensemble section, which included the horses that are done at the end of the scene. […]

The routine was shortened in the movie, so I can't say they did exactly what I choreographed, but it's fair to say that I was partly responsible. […]”

Frankie wasn't jealous that not his group got to be in the movies. To be performing at the Cotton Club was a big deal!

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« Previous: #14 Your Swing group of friends
» Next: #16 Photo of you dancing