Jonas (Mike #1) and Hibarger (#3) also compete national

“This is one of the best social dances around,” he says. “Of course I’m a little biased.”

Jonas—Mike #1—and Hibarger—#3—also compete nationally, but say they love lindy first and foremost for its social aspect. “Swing in general is a nice social outlet,” Hibarger says. “You get to meet other people, listen to great music, and really establish a connection.”

Six Hops or Eight?

Hibarger calls Lindy Hop “the only proper way to dance.”

Six-count East Coast swing, popularized by movies like “Swingers,” is easier to learn than the eight-count rhythm and complex steps of Lindy Hop.

Part Charleston, part European partner dance, with a twist of African rhythm, Lindy Hop is anything but low energy.

Mike #1 says the potential for creativity adds to Lindy Hop’s appeal: “It’s the only purely lead-follow dance where you can really add in improvisation.”

Dancers at a recent Monday dance displayed the anticipated twists and dips, but many threw in hip-hop moves that wouldn’t be out of place at a Saturday night Quad party. One dancer showed off a moonwalk that would put Michael Jackson to shame.

Recent Dartmouth grad and Monday night devotee Ann Smith says he appreciates Lindy Hop for its spontaneity, but points out that “you really have to take cues from your partner.”

Mike #3 says that the partner aspect of Linidy Hop makes it a great way to meet people of the opposite sex: “It doesn’t matter what you look like, if you’re a good dancer people will be clamoring to dance with you.”

Lindy Hop has become less trendy in recent years, but it’s still a strong presence in the Boston social scene. Workshops and classes can be found all over the city.

“Every time I think swing is going to fade, it just keeps getting bigger,” muses Mike #3.

And they say beginners are welcome at any time.

The Mikes realized that being in a room full of experienced Lindy-hoppers can be intimidating, so decided to make one Monday everyone month a “newcomer night,” urging the regulars to meet and dance with newbies.

Harvard Medical School student Sarah Reh says there’s an approachable atmosphere at the Mikes’ Monday night dances.

“This is one of the coolest swing places around,” she says. “I really feel encouraged as a beginner.”

—Lindy Hop practices Mondays at 8 p.m. at First Church of Cambridge on Garden St. Cover charge $4.

—Staff writer Kristi L. Jobson can be reached at