Engaging Lindy Hop Dance Programs
Harlem Swings believes Lindy Hop is more than a dance. It’s a living cultural tradition. Our programs connect people of all ages with Harlem’s rich swing dance heritage through education, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
Harlem & NYC School Programs
Harlem Swings partners with K-12 schools across Harlem and New York City to bring engaging dance experiences that combine movement, history, and culture.
Swing Dance Museum
Explore the people, places, and stories that shaped Lindy Hop. The Swing Dance Museum helps preserve some of America’s greatest cultural treasures and historic collections.
Youth Academy
Our online Youth Academy will make Lindy Hop education available to students everywhere through structured lessons, cultural history, and mentorship inspired by Harlem’s dance legacy.
Community Programs
Talks, screenings, exhibitions, performances, and events celebrate Lindy Hop while highlighting Black, Indigenous, and other cultural traditions.
Swing Dance Elders
Lindy Hop classes and cultural programming for older adults in Harlem and NYC, promoting movement, connection, wellness, and shared history.
ILHC
International Lindy Hop Championships regionals and world finals are an inspiring celebration of Lindy Hop history, artistry and community.
Why Our Programs Matter
Every Harlem Swings program shares three goals:
• Increase access to quality dance education.
• Preserve Harlem’s cultural heritage.
• Build stronger communities.
Whether someone attends a local class, joins our online academy or explores the Swing Dance Museum, they become part of a living tradition that continues to grow across generations.
Harlem & NYC School Programs
Bring the story and spirit of Lindy Hop into your New York City classroom. Programs are designed for K–12 students and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual schools and grade levels.
What we offer…
One-Day Cultural Experience
Introduce students to the origins of Lindy Hop through an interactive presentation that blends dance, music, and Harlem history.
Perfect for assemblies, arts enrichment days, or special events.
Multi-Week Residency
Our residency brings professional teaching artists into schools for a series of classes, allowing students to build confidence, develop new skills, and explore the cultural roots of jazz dance.
Programs may culminate in an optional student performance for families or the school community.
Customized Programs
Every school has unique needs. We work with educators to design experiences that fit your schedule, student population, curriculum goals, and available resources.
Help students build confidence, teamwork, and creative expression through movement
Enjoy experiencing an engaging introduction to music, rhythm, and improvisation
Connect youths with an important chapter of Harlem’s cultural legacy
We Work With Schools to Make Programs Possible
Harlem Swings partners with schools, districts, community organizations, and supporters to bring dance education to students throughout New York City. We develop program schedules and funding collaboratively, and we are happy to work with schools to explore the best approach for their community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers.
How do Harlem Swings school programs work?
It starts with an assembly program, a video presentation about the history of the dance and a live demo and lesson. Once a schedule is determined, students will enjoy 4 classes – 2 days per week for 6 weeks – with two dance instructors and certified NYC Board of Education teachers present. Finally, it all culminates in a presentation to the student body!
What dances are taught?
Primarily, we focus on Lindy Hop and Charleston, but we also include other dances that originated in Harlem, such as Shim Sham and Big Apple.
What is the age group for Harlem Swings?
We seek to teach lindy hop to the young at heart of all ages; our school programs target students from elementary school through high school.
What does it cost?
We work with schools and organizations to share resources, raise funds, and find ways to “make it happen.” We are excited about collaborating and doing our best to make access to this unique arts and cultural programming doable for schools and organizations. Tell us about your school or project!
How does the school or community organization help?
Strong relationships with schools and community organizations are very important to the project’s success. Having support from teachers, principals and administrators who are proactive about making the program happen in their buildings makes all the difference.
Is Harlem Swings only in Harlem?
Currently, our organization’s school programs are only available in the New York City area. We also support events and other efforts that progress the preservation and celebration of Lindy Hop.