A couple dancing swing in front of an audience at the International Lindy Hop Championships 2021, with a banner reading 'International Lindy Hop Championships,' curtains, and microphones visible. 12:31
Alain Wong channel icon Alain WongOriginal creator 7.9M views Save

A Lindy Hop contest full of lifts and grins

Thirteen couples take turns at the International Lindy Hop Championship, and every one of them looks thrilled to be there. So does everyone watching. more

Each pair dances twice. First comes a longer run of about 40 seconds, then a quick 15-second finisher in the second round. The jazzy music is by the Campus Five, and the dancers answer with fast footwork, big moves and bits made up on the spot.

While one couple dances, the rest stand close by and clap to the beat. They laugh and cheer each other on. Nobody seems to mind that the people they are cheering for are the ones they are up against.

Two people dance on a stage while a group of people stands nearby, watching and clapping. A headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
While one couple dances, the dancers waiting their turn stand close and clap along.

They all dress the part. The women wear classy dresses with classic makeup and hair, and dainty sneakers on their feet. The men wear suits and ties with vests or suspenders.

At one point Annie Trudeau goes for a ride. Her partner, Max, swings her in a spin across his back, and the whole room screams at once. Seconds later she goes sailing across the floor.

A couple dancing swing in front of an audience at the International Lindy Hop Championships 2021, with a banner reading 'International Lindy Hop Championships,' curtains, and microphones visible. The headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
Thirteen couples take turns at the International Lindy Hop Championship, and every one of them looks thrilled to be there.

Fans of the dance have plenty to say. One wants gyms to teach this instead of Zumba. Another lists the moves like a checklist, from swing-outs and Charlestons to Texas Tommies and air steps. A 77-year-old who danced at every chance, and won a couple of contests, says it is still impossible to sit still through it.

When the last couple finishes, all thirteen pairs crowd onto the floor together. They close the contest with a burst of quick, made-up spins, every couple turning at once.

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