The Lindy Hop is an American dance that evolved in Harlem, New York City, in the 1920s and 1930s, with the jazz music of that time. It was very popular during the Swing era of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it, or were popular during its development, but is mainly based on jazz, tap, breakaway and Charleston. It is a jazz dance, and is the father of the swing dance family.
In its development, the Lindy Hop combined elements of both partnered and solo dancing by using the movements and improvisation of Black dances, along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. The Detroit Lindy Workshop was first produced in 2012. It is designed to be a fun way to learn jazz dance steps, social dance and to be creative. Lindy Hop has many steps and patterns that allow for movement freedom and a sense of musicality on the dance floor, while learning the art of dancing with a partner.
On the swing dance circuit, Ms. Brockington is a former World Fast Dance Champion, World Swing Dance Champion and Open Hustle Champion. She directs the American Lindy Hop Championships, and coaches and teaches around the world. She has had featured roles in a number of films, the most recent being “A Royal Family Holiday” (2015) with Viveca A. Fox, Debbi Morgan and Tachina Arnold. She is Artistic Director of Detroit’s A Company of Dancers. She is on the faculties of WCCCD and the Worship Arts Conservatory and a Master Teacher at Michigan State University.
Paulette Brockington has worked with modern dance, ballet, theatre and opera companies. A former Arts Educator of the Year and Michigan Heritage Award Fellow, she is an active artist-in-residence, workshop teacher, choreographer and performer. She has worked in the repertory of MixedBlood (Toronto) and Ballethnic Dance Company (Atlanta).
Paulette has received honors and awards for her work that led her to Japan, the UK, Sweden, Germany and Canada, and so much more.