The history of Lindy Hop begins in the African American communities of Harlem, New York during the late 1920s in conjunction with swing jazz. Lindy Hop is closely related to earlier African American vernacualr dances but quickly gained its own fame through dancers in films, performances, competitions, and professional dance troupes. It became especially popular in the 1930s with the invention of aerials.

Lindy Hop's geneaology can be seen in the ideological themes, social uses, and specific steps that it has absorbed during its development. For many Lindy Hop historians, the Charleston is Lindy Hop's most influential predecessor, and Lindy Hop's basic footwork and timing reflects that of the Charleston. The transition from Charleston to Lindy Hop was facilitated by the Breakaway, a partner dance which introduced the 'throw out' and 'open position' of dances such as the Texas Tommy to the 'closed position' and footwork of partnered Charleston. The development of Breakaway is largely associated with the dancer Shorty George Snowden in the late 1920s.

The popularity of Lindy Hop declined after World War II, and the dance remained dormant until revived by European and American dancers in the 1980s, when several people around the globe all got the same idea at roughly the same time. Dancers in Sweden, California, New York City and the United Kingdom independently searched for original Lindy Hop dancers and, for those who lived outside of New York City, traveled to New York City to work with them. Al Minns, Pepsi Bethel, Frankie Manning and Norma Miller came out of retirement and toured the world teaching Lindy Hop to eager young dancers.

Today, just about every major city has a Lindy Hop or Swing Dance Society, and the global Lindy Community is one of the most amazing entities on the planet. Newbie or old pro, contact any Lindy Society in your travels and you will be welcomed with open arms.