Lindy Hop Lessons in Vancouver

LINDY HOP WITH DOMINIC BOYER

Put on a swing song and let yourself play. Lindy Hop is lively, active dancing, with a relaxed pulse and an elastic connection that sends you out into open hold and brings you together again. Learn with me in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver.

Private lessons are for one or two people. Come on your own or with a partner.

Two partners practicing an open hand connection
An open hand connection gives partners room to move apart and come back together.

The rhythm keeps moving

Lindy Hop is a swing dance with a relaxed pulse and an elastic connection between partners. In a swing-out, you move from a closer position into open hold, circle one another and come back together.

Six-count and eight-count patterns can flow into one another, with turns and changes of place adding variety. There is room for both partners to play with footwork and answer the music. The dance can feel easy and swinging or quick and lively, depending on the song.

How I teach

In a swing-out, your footwork and the movement between partners work together. I’ll explain or demonstrate what needs attention, and dance with either partner so each can feel their part. We try it again with music and adjust as you learn.

If you come on your own, I’ll be your dance partner. If you come with a partner, I’ll help each of you with your movement and with how you dance together. You’re welcome to learn leading and/or following.

More about Dominic and the teaching

Read students’ experiences.

Two partners moving through an underarm turn in a purple-lit room
A turn gives us something specific to work on: timing, movement and the connection through your hands.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Your first private Lindy Hop lesson

Trial Lesson

$50 + GST

55 minutes for one or two people.
First lesson only. For new students, subject to availability.

You don't need to buy a package to take your trial lesson. If you'd like to continue, regular rates apply. I'll explain individual lesson and package options before you decide.

How to arrange a lesson

  1. Send me a message. Tell me what you'd like to learn, whether you're coming alone or with a partner, and when you're usually available.
  2. I'll reply personally. We can talk through your questions and arrange a time for your lesson.

Contact Dominic

DBoyerDance studio in Mount Pleasant
5 W 4th Ave, Unit 214
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1G2

Studio hours and contact details

Learning a swing-out

A swing-out brings several things together: the rhythm in your feet, a change of position and the connection with your partner. We can work on each part, then put them together with music.

You do not need a large collection of patterns to begin. We’ll work at your pace, giving you time to get comfortable with the movement and the music. As you develop, we can explore turns, changes of place and different ways of connecting them.

Couples dancing together at a social event
Turns and changes of place give you more ways to enjoy the dance together.

Keeping the pulse while you play

A change in the footwork can answer something you hear in the music. Keep the pulse going, try an idea and share the surprise with your partner. Both partners contribute to the rhythm and the footwork, so your personality becomes part of the dance.

Choose a swing-out, turn or transition you want to refine. We can look at your weight changes, the timing between you and how the connection stretches and returns.

Questions about private Lindy Hop lessons

What is the difference between East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop?

East Coast Swing often starts with a repeating six-count rhythm, using single or triple steps and a rock step. Lindy Hop combines six-count and eight-count patterns, including swing-outs that carry you from a closer position into open hold and back together. Both give you room to turn, change places and play with swing music. Compare Single Swing and Triple Swing in the Ballroom dance explorer.

Do I need to know Swing already?

No. You can learn Lindy Hop without previous dance experience. I’ll adapt the lesson to you and help you get comfortable moving with the music and a partner.

Can we learn together as a couple?

Yes. Private lessons are for one or two people. There is time to work on each person’s movement and on leading and/or following. You can also come on your own and dance with Dominic.

Can lessons help if I already dance?

Yes. Bring the movements you want to develop. The work can focus on timing, balance, partner connection or your choices in the music.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that stay securely on your feet. Ask before the lesson if you are unsure whether your shoes are suitable for dancing.

Semi-Private Lessons

Semi-private lessons are available, with a minimum of two couples per class. You don’t need to organise a group to take part. Lesson times are flexible.

Contact me if you’re interested.

Couples practicing underarm turns together
A shared class gives couples time to practice turns alongside one another.

More ways to explore Swing

Bring your rhythm or your question

Tell me whether you are starting Lindy Hop, coming with a partner or working on something in the dance already. We can talk through what you want to learn and arrange a lesson.

Contact Dominic

A dancer moving at a social dance event
Bring what you enjoy about dancing into the lessons, along with anything you want to work on.