From teachers to bizmen, many are swinging to a new groove

MUMBAI: In early April, a motley crew of 42 Mumbaikars—web developers, designers, engineers, mathematicians, teachers, businessmen—came together in their zoot suits and trumpet skirts for the city’s first Lindy Hop social. Many were complete strangers to each other, but it was hard to tell as they spent the next three hours joyously dancing, legs akimbo and arms interlocked, to American jazz hits. “The dance is fun, with moves that are beautiful and sassy, and it is a great bonding experience,” said Amey Prabhu (30), an outspoken member of Mumbai’s growing Lindy Hop community that has whole-heartedly embraced this style of swing dancing. Lindy Hop was born alongside the jazz tradition of the 20s and 30s incorporating jazz, tap, breakaway and Charleston, in Harlem, New York. In keeping with its jazzy roots, this style is largely improvisational and upbeat, an exuberant expression of the play of energies between partners and the lilting rhythm of swing music. In its time, Lindy Hop was considered especially revolutionary, breaking away from the rigidity of more formal styles like ballroom. And since its inception within the black community, it has been adopted and adapted the world over, finding unlikely enthusiasts from Sweden to Seoul and most recently, Mumbai—thanks to the relentless efforts of Krunal Waghela (29), the only Lindy Hop instructor in the city. Waghela from Ghatkopar discovered the magic of the form while pursuing his Master’s in chemical engineering in Missouri. “I needed something that could make me happy and also find me friends,” he said. So after trying his hand at numerous other activities, he finally joined his university’s swing dance club, and immediately felt at home. “Lindy Hop is a happy dance, and it is possibly the only partner dance form where everyone can be carefree and goofy while dancing.” Enervated by this dance, he spent most of his free time learning it at workshops while attending about 40 Lindy Hop dance exchanges and festivals across the US and UK.Returning to Mumbai in 2013, he felt a void in the dance community here, finding no opportunities for swing dancing in the city, and insisted on change. He started classes with just four people by the middle of 2014. But more and more people trickled in, as he spread the word through Facebook and Meet up groups, which have collectively garnered 1,200 members in less than a year. Waghela has taught about 400 Mumbaikars already, and is planning Lindy Hop lessons in more than six locations across the city due to an overwhelming number of inquiries. Its rising popularity is to be expected, according to dedicated Lindy Hopper Chaitanya Senapathi who could attest to its value saying, “Learning this style has brought great joy into my life and enabled me to connect with people on a whole different level.” Having gathered enough momentum in a short span of time, Waghela has begun hosting socials every three weeks to help foster the same kind effervescent community that so captivated him in the states. The last two socials were unexpected successes, each filled to capacity with 70 people of varying experience, excited to pass the hours dancing with new faces. “The socials are one of the most happening scenes in the city,” said Prabhu. Adding, “They are clean with no alcohol, no smoking and no drug abuse problems; a safe ground for guys and girls to meet and interact in a healthy manner. It's amazing to see two strangers of opposite gender get along so easily and share a dance with elegance and respect. That’s character building right there. It’s a special experience.”The next social is scheduled on June 13.