Other Jazz Dances
Lindy Hoppers don’t just Lindy Hop! Although Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, many other dances fall under the Vernacular Jazz umbrella, including Balboa, Blues, West Coast Swing, and the many forms of Shag: Carolina, Collegiate, and St.Louis Shag.
Toronto’s Lindy Hop community has links to many of these other vernacular jazz forms:
NOTE (Feb 2024 update): Swing Toronto is offering courses in Lindy, Balboa, Blues, Vernacular Solo Jazz, Collegiate Shag & Rock ‘n Roll BUT please visit the other groups below to experience all the great dances, classes and workshops they have to offer.
Balboa
Originating in southern California in the 1920’s, Balboa it’s most commonly known as being danced to faster music (although it can be danced at a variety of tempos), in closed position, with small footwork, and the addition of spins, drops and lifts.
Check out ‘Toronto Balboa Social Dance‘ to find out about social dances in the city.
Blues Dancing
Blues Dancing is an umbrella term for a family of social dances, rooted in African movement, that developed parallel to American blues music between the 1800’s and mid-1900’s. Danced partnered or solo and covering a wide range of tempos, emphasis is placed on rhythm and individual movement. Visit TO Blues to learn more about weekly blues dances and classes in Toronto.
Vernacular Jazz
Vernacular Jazz is a collection of dances created in the Black communities during the late 1800’s through mid 1900’s, to jazz and swing music.
Please visit ‘Holla Jazz‘ an award-winning dance company based in Toronto that explores soulful and funky approaches to jazz dance.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Rock ‘n’ Roll music of the 1950s and ’60s inspired a new way to move, based in part on Lindy Hop, but with its own styling and moves. Over time, two main dances evolved: rock ‘n’ roll (also known as boogie woogie) and rockabilly jive. Both are bouncy and fun partnered dances.
Please visit ‘Black Cat Boogie‘ for social dances & some lessons.
If you’re looking for somewhere to practice your cool moves, check out the event listings page for Toronto’s rockabilly/rock’n’roll music scene.
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a partnered dance with its roots in Lindy Hop. It has a characteristic elastic look and is usually danced in a ‘track’ or ‘slot’ on the dance floor. West Coast Swing is commonly danced to more modern music.
Check out ‘Toronto West Coast Swing‘ for more information.
Shag
The three main forms of Shag are Carolina, Collegiate and St. Louis Shag – however, the commonalities between the three dances end with their names. The three forms originated in different parts of the US and at different times in the Jazz Era. Go out and explore these great Vernacular Jazz dances!
Swing Toronto is teaching Collegiate Shag as of Feb 2024.