What is Swing Dance?
Swing Dancing originated in Harlem, New York City in the late 1920s. It continued its popularity through to the late 1940s. The Swing Dance style that was widely danced was called Lindy Hop. The rhythms in Lindy Hop match the Jazz music swing beat. So you might say the two go hand in hand. The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem was a haven for Black Americans to dance Lindy Hop and connect with the brilliant original Jazz musicians. Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald, just to name a few, all played at the Savoy Ballroom. The Savoy Ballroom was famous for its ‘Battle of the Bands’ where two Jazz bands would face off against each other in the ultimate Jazz music showdown. A dance troupe called Whitey's Lindy Hoppers performed swing dance around the world and featured dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Willa Mae Ricker, Al Minns, Leon James- just to name a few!
The two most influential people in the origin and development of Lindy Hop swing dance are Frankie Manning and Norma Miller.
Frankie Manning
Frankie began dancing in his teens in Harlem and quickly became good enough to join an elite dance club. From there, he is known for his innovative style of dance that characterizes our Lindy Hop style today. He was an amazing choreographer and his passion for dance influenced many people.
Norma Miller
Norma Miller was one of the youngest recruits to join the original Lindy Hoppers and spent most of her 99 years involved with dance, music, comedy and film production. She danced in Broadway musicals and led many dance events and was a catalyst in a swing dance revival in the 1980s. She is affectionately known as the Queen of Swing.
