Lindy Hop world championships coming to Montreal for first time
The 18-year-old international competition relocates from New York due to difficult political context in the U.S.
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Montreal will host the final championships of the International Lindy Hop Competition for the first time in the event's 18-year history. The decision marks a significant shift for what has long been a New York–based competition celebrating the dance's roots in Harlem.
Rémy Kouakou Kouame, the event's director, said the relocation reflects concerns about the current political climate in the United States. "We were a bit in an impasse," he explained, noting that last year's finals did not take place. "The investiture of Donald Trump had just happened. We didn't want to put dancers or spectators at risk by having them cross a border."
The competition draws thousands of people annually from around the world, including citizens from countries where residents face increased scrutiny entering the U.S. since Trump's re-election. American collaborators, including Tena Morales—a pivotal figure in Lindy Hop history who founded the championships in 2008—supported the move.
Montreal emerged as the natural choice, according to Kouakou Kouame. "It was obvious, the clearest and most logical choice for us," he said. "Not only is the Lindy Hop scene strong here, but it's a city that matches the values we seek: diversity, accessibility, and artistic sensitivity, but above all, it has a strong history with dance."
Beyond the competition itself, the event includes a broad cultural program: panels, workshops, and social gatherings aimed at educating dancers about Lindy Hop's African American roots and honoring the "Old Timers"—the original creators of the dance—many of whom are still invited and participate in discussions.
