The bouncy rhythms of 1940s jazz filled the Saugerties Public Library on Monday evening, drawing an intergenerational group of dancers onto the floor to spin, twist, kick, and turn.
Eighteen people—many of them new to swing dancing—came for March’s Miss Lindys Dance Hall, a free community event that offered a basic lesson, DJed music, and open floor time to practice.
The recurring gatherings, held at libraries across the Hudson Valley, were founded by volunteer organizer Tony Sedgman, 74, who said he wanted to create more places for people to practice between classes and formal dances.
“Many people take lessons and go to monthly dances with live bands but there aren’t many places for practicing in between,” he said. “We learn things in classes but then have to wait a week for the next one.”
No partner or experience is required, and dancers of all levels are welcome.
Rooted in African American jazz culture, Lindy Hop emerged in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s as an improvisational dance form that came to define the Swing Era. Blending partner dance traditions with high-energy moves, including the Charleston, it became both a form of cultural expression and a source of joy during a period marked by economic hardship and racism.
Though its popularity faded after its 1940s peak, swing dancing resurged in the late 1980s and 1990s and still draws enthusiasts to ballrooms, bars, studios, and community spaces, including libraries.
Today’s swing dance world spans several forms—among them Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Boogie Woogie, Jitterbug, Jive, Shag, and Balboa—and attracts dancers for its music, movement, vintage flair, and sense of community.
“I’ve been dancing for around three years now and started out by dancing wherever I could, as often as six days a week, anywhere between Albany, New Jersey and Connecticut,” said Peter Gregory, 63, who travels from Wappingers Falls to attend the Saugerties sessions.
At a February practice, Sedgman invited Gregory to choose a partner and demonstrate some of his best moves for the room. Sedgman used the moment to introduce dancers to the traditions of the Savoy Ballroom, the famed Harlem dance hall often considered the spiritual home of Lindy Hop.
“At The Savoy, there was something called the Cat’s Corner,” Sedgman told the group, referring to the northeast corner near the bandstand where top dancers would show off their moves.
On Monday, Josey Summer and Roger Cunningham, a Saugerties-based couple, said they were glad to find a practice space close to home after beginning classes a few months ago.
“It was great fun. We laughed. We danced. We learned new steps. We danced with new people. We will definitely come back,” said Summer, 68.
The library’s community room took on a festive feel as dancers in high-waisted trousers, swirling skirts, and vintage-style dance shoes moved across the checkered floor. Others paused to hydrate, catch their breath, and watch.
As is standard in social dancing, partners rotated throughout the evening.
“Lead or follow?” Brooke Tinney, 62, asked a new partner.
“I learned both the lead and follow roles because I didn’t want to have to wait around to be asked to dance,” she said.
Tinney said she began dancing more than three years ago, took a break, and is now taking classes again, most of which are in Kingston.
“It’s an easy, mellow reentry and not a lot of pressure here at the library,” she said.
Jonathan Rowan, 25, of Saugerties, said he also appreciated the relaxed atmosphere.
“I did some swing in college and it was great fun,” he said. “This is my first time doing it since then.”
Each event begins with a half-hour lesson focused on the basic six-count step. Sedgman described the approach as collaborative, with more experienced dancers helping newer ones along.
“We all learn with each other,” he said.
The makeup of the room changes from month to month, Sedgman said. Some nights are filled with beginners. Others draw more seasoned dancers ready to show off intricate footwork.
“We will always cater to who is in the room,” he said. “It changes every time.”
Sedgman said he curates a playlist for each gathering that mixes big band, roots music, Motown, and other danceable tracks.
“It’s a healthy way to connect and build community—and to get exercise and have joy,” Sedgman said. “I had a feeling libraries would welcome this and it’s great to keep it free and accessible.”The full schedule for Miss Lindys Dance Hall is available on its Facebook page or by contacting misslindysdancehall@gmail.com.
Chana Widawski is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.