Lindy Hop dancers swing into Byron

SWING dancers from around the world will descend on the Northern Rivers this weekend for the inaugural Byron Bay Lindy Exchange.

The three-day event celebrates the Lindy Hop — an energetic American swing partner dance that originated in African-American communities in Harlem, New York City, during the 1920s and ’30s.

More than 200 people — from the Northern Territory to the Netherlands — are expected to attend, that runs from October 17 to 19.

The program includes a Charleston Stroll dance class at Club Byron and a vintage ball featuring a seven-piece swing band at the Byron Bay Theatre on Saturday night, as well as a yoga class, lighthouse walk and a mystery bus trip.

The event was founded by Chrissy Keepence, who runs the Swing on In dance school in Mullumbimby, and her husband Ray, after attending similar swing dance gatherings around the world.

Keepence’s introduction to Lindy Hop came in an unexpected way — from a stranger who saw her dancing on a piano in a Darwin pub and suggested a style that might better suit her personality.

“He’d send me VHS tapes of it happening in America,” she said. “It was life changing. I felt like the first time in my life I learned who I am, who I want to be, what I’m meant to be. My mum said it was my old soul stepping into my dance shoes.”

Since then, Keepence has become a vintage stylist and passionate swing dancer, meeting her equally passionate husband and dance partner at a competition.

She’s made it her mission to share the dance as widely as possible.

“I just want to spread that joy,” she said.

While many participants choose vintage-inspired clothing for Lindy Hop events, dressing up is entirely optional.

“Some people just want to wear their street clothes, and that’s cool too,” Keepence said.

Proceeds from the Byron Bay Lindy Exchange will go back into the event and help support the charity Beauties Feeling Fabulous Inc., which offers free pampering days for women living with cancer.

For more information and tickets, visit byronbaylindyexchange.com.au