Took a short lindy hop lesson before a swing dance last night. For my own reference (and possibly others’ benefit, though it is very difficult to describe dancing) I will write what I learned here. As I am most familiar with east coast swing, my comparisons are to that. Lindy hop is a spot dance and similar to east coast swing. However, its basic “swing out” move uses 8 counts rather than 6 counts.

Start from open position.

The count is as follows:
1, 2, 3&4, 5, 6, 7&8

From the leader’s perspective:

1 – Left foot rock step (back step)
2 – change weight to right foot
3&4 – left foot step toward each other into closed position, doing a triple step with the 3&4. While attaching to follower, begin clockwise spin. On 4 should be facing opposite direction from start, in closed position, with weight on left foot.
5 – right foot step forward and to the left to pass follower. Continue spin with follower, especially on right foot plant. Between 5 and 6 begin releasing follower back to open position.
6 – left foot plant and finish spin, should now be facing original direction. Follower released and beginning to move away.
7&8 – right foot begins triple step to the rear. At end of 8 should be back to original open position and ready to begin rock step at count 1 again.

A variation on this basic figure is to remain in closed position for all 8 counts, with the follower ending up 90 degrees further around the circle than when going back to open position. This sets up to lead a tuck turn for the follower, which is very similar to the tuck turn in east coast swing.

What I don’t yet understand is that it seems that some figures are 8 counts and some are 6, and I don’t know how or if that is communicated.