An unforgettable weekend of Lindy Hop, cultural exchange, and community made possible through international collaboration.
This past July, the International Lindy Hop Championships (ILHC) brought its World Finals to Montréal, Canada, for the first time! This move reflected the event’s commitment to creating a welcoming, accessible environment where our international community could gather and celebrate Lindy Hop.
Dancers, musicians, historians, and cultural artists from around the world came together for four days of extraordinary competitions, live jazz, social dancing and cultural experiences.
Harlem Swings was proud to join Les Productions Jazz Jam, ILHC, and an incredible community of sponsors, donors, and volunteers in making this celebration possible.
A Celebration That Couldn’t Be Rained Out
The weekend began with an unexpected challenge when rain forced Thursday’s planned outdoor public show indoors. But the weather couldn’t dampen our spirits! What followed was an exhilarating weekend filled with inspiring performances and the unmistakable energy of a community united by its love of Lindy Hop.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
Beyond the competitions, ILHC World Finals 2026 offered opportunities to explore the cultural histories and artistic traditions that continue to shape our dance community.
The international 5v5 All-Styles Battle brought another dimension to the celebration, connecting jazz and swing with Hip Hop, House, Afrobeat, Funk, and other traditions that reflect the ongoing evolution and exchange of dance cultures.
Attendees also connected with Lindy Hop elders, explored Montréal’s Black Canadian history, and experienced programming highlighting Indigenous artists and their cultural perspectives.
Highlights included conversations with Lindy Hop elders Barbara Billups, Sugar Sullivan, and Suzanne Bruneau; an exploration of Black dance history in Canada through Dr. Seika Boye’s It’s About Time exhibition; and a screening of Restorative Culture, examining the intersections of tap dance, identity, and Indigenous heritage.
These experiences reinforced an essential part of Harlem Swings’ mission: preserving cultural heritage means more than remembering history. It creates opportunities to learn from it, engage with it, and carry it forward.
Made Possible by Community
An international celebration of this scale depends on the generosity, dedication, and collaboration of many people and organizations.
Our deepest thanks go to Les Productions Jazz Jam, whose local partnership was instrumental in bringing the World Finals to Montréal.
We are also grateful to Cat’s Corner, Studio 88, Marley’s Shoes, and Swing Connexion for their sponsorship and community support, as well as our Patron Pass holders and individual donors, whose generosity helped make this event possible.
To the competitors, artists, instructors, musicians, volunteers, organizers, and everyone who joined us: thank you for contributing your energy, talent, and passion.
Keeping Harlem’s Legacy Moving Forward
Although the World Finals took place far from Harlem, the cultural legacy of Lindy Hop remained at the heart of the celebration.
As the nonprofit organization supporting ILHC, Harlem Swings is committed to connecting the dance’s historic roots with its vibrant international future. Events like the World Finals help us celebrate outstanding artistry, foster cultural exchange, and introduce new generations to the history and community behind Lindy Hop.
Thank you for helping make Montréal 2026 an unforgettable chapter in that story. We look forward to continuing the journey together!
Explore competition results, event highlights, and more at ILHC.com or follow @lindyhopchamps on Instagram.