Hey Dancers!
Now that summer is wrapped (officially), things have gotten busy! I’m having trouble finding time to even think about dancing.
What do you do when you need inspiration or motivation? For me, I listen to jazz music. That always gets me ready to move.
Song of the Month
If you haven’t heard “Back Beat Boogie” by Harry James and His Orchestra, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of my favorite song for dancing Balboa.
I love the rhythms. I love the piano riffs. I love the build and release of the song. I love those trumpet wails played by Harry James at the end. Oh, so inspiring!
“Back Beat Boogie” by Harry James and His Orchestra, 1939
Video Inspiration
The Savoy Ballroom is considered the “birthplace” of Lindy Hop. From 1926 to 1958 dancers flocked to this huge ballroom in Harlem. The Savoy Ballroom is also famous for having a no-discrimination policy (an integrated space) and was the home of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers.
Two famous dancers from Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers feature in these videos. Frankie Manning and Norma Miller.
During the ballroom’s heyday, Frankie Manning said that patrons were judged on their dancing skills—not on the color of their skin. According to Frankie "one night somebody came over and said, 'Hey man, Clark Gable just walked in the house.' Somebody else said, 'Oh, yeah, can he dance?' All they wanted to know when you came into the Savoy was, do you dance?". "
I’ve included two videos sharing first-hand experience about the Savoy Ballroom. At the end of the first clip (0:49), you can see Frankie dancing as a young man.
Clip from Ken Burns’ “Jazz”
Watch this one for a bit more history, old photographs, and the personal experience of Norma Miller:
Clip from Ken Burns’ “Jazz”
If you want to see even more photos about the Savoy, check out this link for images throughout the lifetime of the ballroom (in all stages of renovation!).
Feeling inspired?
I teach virtual lessons and in-person lessons on request. Email me to set-up a single lesson or a package. Additionally, I’m currently available to teach in person in the USA. At the moment, I’m based in San Luis Obispo area, California.
Virtual private lessons are via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Video Chat.
Happy dancing!
Lainey