I recently learned about Swing Riot in Dunedin, NZ because someone shared they’re really good about incorporating families and children at their events. This sparked my curiousity and I learned this was part of their kaupapa, defined as: “Kaupapa means principles and ideas which act as a base or foundation for action. A kaupapa is a set of values, principles and plans which people have agreed on as a foundation for their actions.” Our contact there shared - “Our kaupapa for Swing Riot is to teach and promote the music and dance and share its history within our wider community so I see doing events for our smaller folks as part of that.”
I truly enjoy this concept and how it’s incorporated at Swing Riot. This information also came at a time when I’ve been thinking about how accessible swing dancing can be across generations and ability levels.
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but how many times have you been experienced the questions of - isn’t Lindy Hop fast, athletic, rhythmically-challenging, bouncy, for young fit people? While it can be all those things, Lindy Hop can be so much more - chill, cool, smooth, glidey, elegant or calm. These are just some of the reasons why we strive to demo a variety of ways to move your body while teaching diverse rhythms so you have tools to express yourself. Though sometimes the best tool could be saying “no, this song isn’t for me” :)
Regardless of where we teach, we strive to meet students where they’re at so they can have a good time dancing with each other. Holding a child? Take your time through a turn. Double amputee? Ask for balance support and let’s see what rhythms suit you. Injured right wrist? Let’s only use the left and see how creative we can get. Dancing on cobblestone? Let’s be chill, swing the rhythm through our bounce and forgo certain rhythms. Name of the game is mutually caring for each other and finding freedom with each other. Dancing Lindy Hop spans all ages and all abilities.