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Swing History 101: The Golden Age of Harlem Lindy Hop (1935-1942)
Updated 4/19/17 with additional socio-economic details. Setting “The Scene” As we discussed in the last episode, as the ’20s passed into the ’30s the new “swing” sound was evolving away from the hot jazz of the 1920s. Bands were smoothing out their rhythm into a steady, rolling-thunder beat. Drum sets were getting more drums and…
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The Savoy, Clarified
Fellow dance history buff Mike Thibault recently unearthed a digital scan of the floor plan of the Savoy Ballroom from the New York Public Library Digital Collection, as well as a post card showing the interior. The result was a renewed discussion (and research call-to-arms) regarding our favorite ballroom, which until now might have existed…
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Joyce James AKA Joyce “Little Stupe” Daniels ISDFNKA #5
This week: A new addition to the Incredible Swing Dance Followers No One Knows About series. When most people talk about incredible solo jazz dancers among the original jitterbugs, the names Al and Leon are probably the most mentioned. Next, perhaps Pepsi Bethel or even Frankie Manning, though there’s very little footage showcasing his solo…
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An Index of Basic Classic Clips
As a professional dance instructor in the time of COVID-19, my income for at least five months of the year has been erased. If you read this article and find it useful or thought provoking, please consider a donation. You will be *literally* helping support an artist, and have my sincerest gratitude. This is an…
Swungover* 