This is a first installment of doing a quick recap of tunes used and video clips referenced in a weekend workshop. I’ve been doing it on Facebook for a few years, but I’d rather it be here because Facebook is no good.

It’s nice to head back to DC, where I lived for 8 years and really grew as a dancer. It’s killer to get to dance at the gorgeous Glen Echo Park. Thanks to Capital City Swingout for bringing Mia Goldmsith Halloran and I out for the second year.

First, the clips, the originals that gave us this dance…

Video Clips

After Seben 1929

Chick Webb’s band plays Sweet Sue and a band of killer 1st generation Lindy Hoppers, include Shorty George Snowden, show us how they showed off at that time. Upright, two-stepping, asymmetrical, rhythmic, jagged, stylish, lovely.

The name, as well as some of the imagery in the short (including the announcer, a white actor in blackface), illustrate some of the racist tropes that performers at the time had to endure while showcasing their talent – no doubt these conditions and tropes influenced the formation of these dances that we love. A product of the time which endures to this day.

Norma Miller and Frankie Manning “Swing Walk / Peabody”

While we had everyone two-stepping the ballroom, Mia mentioned the Frankie would say everyone who danced knew at least a Waltz and Foxtrot. Here’s a video of the great Norma and Frankie demonstrating the “Swing Walk”, their version of the Peabody. While not the dance we taught, it shows them stylishly demonstrating this traveling dance.

The Harlem Renaissance Documentary

I referred to this incredibly robust explosion of African American artistic, political and cultural revolution in Harlem. Lindy Hop is product of the tail end of the Harlem Renaissance. I found this documentary that you might be enlightening. The video cuts off early, but it was the best thing I found on Youtube today.

George Lloyd & Margaret Batiuchok

Here is a great clip of greatest inspirations dancing with the great Margaret Batiuchok.

Hellzapoppin’

Anne Johnson is in no rush to come in when she swings out with Frankie in this clip. I cued the clip to them swinging out, but, you should watch this whole thing.

Music We Used

Here’s a playlist of some of the tunes we used in class.I’m sure many are missing, but these are the ones fresh in my brain:

Here’s a link to the playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/capital-city-swingout-2019-w-mia/pl.u-ykRLs4o8Pz