How to Do Swivels
Swivels are the little twists of the feet and hips that follows add to the end of a swingout. Done well, they look effortless and make the music visible.
What a swivel is
A swivel takes the place of plain steps or triples with a pivot: the follow keeps the feet close together and twists on the balls of the feet, transferring weight from one foot to the other while turning a little side to side. In a swingout they are most often taught on counts 3–4, as the follow travels in, and sometimes on the way back out at 7&8. Teachers and styles differ, so follow what your class teaches.
The technique
- Feet and knees together, weight on the balls of the feet, heels just off the floor.
- Power from the stretch, not the legs. The connection with the lead winds you up and the swivel releases it.
- Small first. Big swivels that pull you off-time are worse than none. Stay on the beat and grow them later.
- Keep the connection. Your arm stays engaged so the lead still feels where you are.
Practise solo
Stand with feet together, hold a doorframe at arm's length, lean back gently into the stretch, and swivel in time with a slow track: twist, step, twist, step. Ten minutes a day for a week makes a visible difference.
Shoes make or break it
You can't swivel in rubber trainers on a wooden floor – they grip. Leather or suede soles let you turn. See what to wear for Lindy Hop.
Read next
- Lindy Hop Instruction: Every Style, Every Level
- How to Do the Swingout
- 6-Count and 8-Count: Lindy Hop Rhythm Explained
Last reviewed 2026-10-23.