Boston Swing Central

05/26/2026

With today being Frankie Manning’s birthday and world lindy hop day, here’s a little moment from 2026 where and explained the legacy of Frankie to the beginner track—some of whom were dancing for the very first time and had never heard of him.

We’re grateful for the teachers and leaders of our community for teaching not only how to dance but WHY we dance, and especially, WHO originated these moves and how they play a part in Black American history and the development of this dance and its culture.

05/26/2026

What is Lindy hop, you may wonder? It’s an African American dance that originated in Harlem in the 1920s-30s, originated by greats such as Norma Miller and Frankie Manning (who would have been 112 today!).

But Lindy hop is more than just a dance. Yes, there are flashy aerials and performed by professionals. However, Lindy hop started as a street dance—something people could dance to just about anywhere and with anyone.
Since then, it’s grown into a worldwide movement, a culture, a community. It encompasses everything from the big events with jam circles, to the quiet achievements where you practice at home, to the laughter you share with other dancers around a meal or at a social.

This is Lindy hop. And so much more.

At we are honored to be a part of this growing movement of dance and life. Come see it for yourself every Friday at 8pm at !

*the first video in this reel is from the 1941 movie Hellzapoppin’, originally posted on YouTube by

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05/25/2026

This Friday at Boston Swing Central: it’s Justin Meyer and the Tenor Sax Battle!

Beginner lesson at 8pm, live music 9pm at . See ya there!

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05/23/2026

A little big apple broke out last night at our DJ jam, courtesy of and .shamu !

We dance every Friday at 8pm at , come thru!

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05/21/2026

1. To give yourself grace. Six count patterns to eight count music? Holding onto another person while you dance? These things can be tough to learn, not to mention you just stepped into a brand new environment and community. It’s normal to be a little anxious at first when trying something new, but don’t let that stop you. Because…

2. Everyone has their own dance journey. Lindy hop is easy to learn in some ways and hard in others. Some people will find classes more helpful for growth, others like experimenting in social dancing, others take private lessons. Some people excel quickly past the beginner stage in a year or two, others can take years to develop strong skills.

3. You don’t have to take Lindy hop too “seriously.” Some people prefer social dancing once or twice a week, others love to travel for the exchanges, still others train hard daily in the hopes of winning championships or becoming teachers or performers one day. One isn’t necessarily better for the other, and no one has the right to judge you for doing less or more. Don’t feel like you’re not truly a dancer just because you’re not putting in 13 hours a week of practice.

4. That being said, do take seriously the culture and history of Lindy hop as a Black dance form. There is such a rich heritage to explore regarding swing dancing and jazz music, the pioneers of the dance like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, black musicians like Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as the struggles and successes they and their successors went through to keep this dance alive. Learning about them will help you to love and appreciate lindy hop even more.

5. Have fun! The whole point of Lindy hop was to be a source of joy and community to the people it touched. Take time with your friends at a social or hanging out with them outside of dance. Plus taking time off from dancing 100% of the time will keep you well rested and away from burnout. 

Ready to dive into the world of lindy hop? Come check out our beginner lessons and social dances every Friday at 8pm at ! 

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05/18/2026

This week at Boston Swing Central (Friday May 22 2026): it’s our Memorial Weekend DJ jam ft. .shamu and !

Beginner lesson at 8pm, music at 9pm. See you at on Friday!

05/14/2026

Learn how to do the Scissor Kick solo jazz move with one of our best teachers, staff members and all around dancers .shamu !

This is a fun and relatively easy move to learn; give it a practice at home and then come show it off on Fridays at Boston Swing Central, every Friday at 8pm at !

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05/11/2026

This week at Boston Swing Central (5/15/2026): it’s !

Beginner lesson at 8pm, live music at 9pm. See you at !

05/09/2026

Photos and videos from Star Wars night

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05/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to our “The Eighth Awakens” dance last night, to for her incredible band—and especially to those who dressed up and competed in our Han Solo Jazz battle! The force is strong with you all.