To paraphrase Beverly Daniel Tatum, we swing dance organizers must actively combat cultural appropriation. Otherwise, we will find ourselves swept along the conveyor belt of cultural appropriation and centering whiteness. One way we can actively combat this is by visibilizing Blackness and centering these social dances' rich history and traditions through action in-person and online.
#blackdance #lindyhop #antiracism #safespaces #swingdance
Norma Miller, second-generation Black Lindy Hopper, referring to Lindy Hop - “We sweated for that. We busted our butts to get it the way it was… We created it. It came out of the blood and sweat of Harlem.”
If your experience mirrors mine in any fashion when I entered the swing dance community through what the ballroom called Jitterbug, I started off swing dancing without ever knowing it was a Black dance. If the instructor were to acknowledge this fact, they should then express that what they were teaching was a diluted version, finessed to white aesthetic standards, lacking the polyrhythmic standards and freedom Lindy Hop shared. Lindy Hop, as a product of its time, was revolutionary with its breakaways, improvisational aspects, and the assertiveness both partners expressed.
The racial integration occurring at uptown dance halls in the 1920s/30s frightened people along with the equality of partners. As white people wanted to control it and mass market the dance, it was even given new names so as to further take it away from its Black creators. Noted historian, Ernie Smith as told in “Waltzing in the Dark,” reaffirms his conviction that the Lindy Hop is a Black dance, created by African Americans from their African heritage and their experiences living in America. He contends that this legacy was expressed in the Lindy - thus making it a Black dance even when whites perform it.
If you want to find fuller freedom in dance where you’re welcome to bring yourself into the dance, look for people that call what they teach by the names given by the Black elders and embrace vernacular dance values like call-and-response, improvisation and respecting the beat. Lindy Hop, much like other swing-era dances, is a polyrhythmic dance where holistic approaches get reflected in the teaching. It’s important to support schools doing the work both in the classroom and online.
#lindyhop #blackdance #juneteenth
We loved what @bootaytays said in class last year - "Black social dances have names" and it's important to keep echoing this fact especially as guests in Black culture.
We just finished listening to @moncelldurden talk on The History of Line Dances and he says towards the end - "the dance is Lindy Hop." It's not swing dance. It's not jitterbug. It's Lindy Hop.
If you're an instructor and/or organizer struggling to change or a dancer that loves dancing with an organization that commits erasure and want to help them improve, I have resources and can help. While this can be a difficult conversation, it is a highly important one. Change can be difficult and yet rewarding. Us cultural guests have been invisibilizing Black dance since at least the 1910s ragtime era and I would personally like to see that change now.
#lindyhop #vernaculardance #letsmakeachange
Here’s the scoop: Saturday night, SwinginDenver dancing, a triple helping of Swingniks… MAN! Sign me up for Little Man Can on May 23! We are jazzed to be launching The Can’s summer season, and want you there with us! The Nix at Eight!! @littlemanicecream@swinginden@theaffixgroup
We're excited to feature Odessa Rose in downtown Denver this Saturday from 11am-1pm. Listeners, dancers, downtown residents, music lovers ... all are welcome!
Live music | Denver | swing dancing
We're seeking swing bands to play for dancers at Little Man Ice Cream venues including The Can in LoHi and Churn in Fort Collins. If that's you, a friend, someone you know, please fill out or share the link in our bio. We can't wait to see y'all on the dance floor this summer!
photo credits: @charlaharveyphotography and @bikinglindy@nocoswingdance
swing dance | dance party | swing music | swing band | denver | front range | fort collins
Scenes from Stanley Hotel's Squirrel Nut Zippers show in partnership with Steady Presents! Emory and Kenny had a blast dancing non-stop during the after party especially to the furious Klezmer tune in the style of Sing, Sing, Sing!
Let's do it again soon!
📸@capturedchlo
Here's our accessibility guide for our venue, 1400 Dallas, secured through the @auroraculturalartsdistrict ! We look forward to seeing everyone in a few days at our Beginner Lindy Hop workshop. Spots are still available with a variety of pricing offered to fit anyone's budget. Link in bio for more info!
📸 @charlaharveyphotography
lindy Hop | punk music | swing music | Aurora co
We have a fun Lindy Hop and Charleston workshop slated next Saturday aimed at Beginners. Fun part - it's everybody follow/everybody lead structure exploring these dances to swing and punk music. Plus, we're offering this workshop at a variety of payment options so you can join us regardless of your financial situation. More information in our profile!
Lindy Hop | Black dance | punk music | velocity of celebration | freedom with
Take flight with the best in the game. ✈️
Ever watched a "Vegas Flip" or a "Frankie Pop" and thought: I wish I could do that? Now you can! We’ve teamed up with the legendary duo Delilah Williams & Kenny Nelson to bring you the ultimate guide to Air Steps and Dips. From the absolute basics to advanced "Beyond the Basics" techniques, we cover it all.
But it’s not just about the "flip." It’s about:
✅ Quality spotting & safety
✅ Communication & consent
✅ Gender-neutral roles (Base & Flyer)
✅ The strength & mobility to dance forever
Ready to level up? Join the iLindy community and start your journey today. Link in bio! 🔗
#SwingDance #AirSteps #LindyHop #iLindy #DanceTraining #VintageDance #DelilahAndKenny
We're seeking Lindy Hop instructors for our Swingin' Under the Star series at Little Man Ice Cream! These Saturday night events have been happening since 2015 and are a staple in the community. If you'd like to share the joy of Lindy Hop with others through our beginner lessons, please reach out!
Did we mention there's ice cream and bands every week? 🍦🎷
Lindy Hop | Denver | dancing | teaching
Ready for a brand new workshop?! April 25 we have a beginner workshop with a punk-focus, dancing to swing and punk music at 1400 Dallas. Profits will be donated to @denver.punkrocksaveslives
In the meantime, listen to The Punkyard hosted by @heynowdana on Saturdays.
📸 @charlaharveyphotography
📍@auroraculturalartsdistrict
punk rock | Lindy Hop | swing dance workshop | Aurora co | diy culture
