The Beginning of Swing
The History of Swing and the Many Styles From Whence We Came Beginning with The Lindy Hop
History of Swing Where All Partner Dances Really Started
African Americans have always added “Flava” to anything they touch or do! Dancing is no exception. Texas Regionals wants to bring awareness nationwide to the rich history of our culture and our people. We will share this history of dance, religion and music and keep you abreast as it evolves. The time has come to acknowledge our forefathers and our foundation, the many trends we have set and the many contributions we have made in this great country!
During our captivity for over 400 years in these United States of America, “bruised but not broken” slaves mustered up the strength to find instances of fun and joy by entertaining themselves and others, through music and dance. They created their own instruments and dance forms that contained elements of their roots that they brought with them from their homelands in Africa. Interesting enough, many of the dances the slaves created went on to become national dance crazes for all Americans. Yet, the credit is not given to the true creators for such dances as the Cakewalk, the Black Bottom and the Charleston. When the Lindy Hop emerged in Harlem in the late 1920's it contained many of these African-oriented characteristics. However, when performed the “Flava” was missing, instead it was danced in a rigid, upright manner (as you can see on the Shorty George Snowden film clip, After Seben). In the mid-thirties, Frankie Manning introduced the angular posture that soon swept the Savoy Ballroom. Manning had no idea that he was bringing the dance closer to its African roots-- he says, "I thought it looked better that way, that's all."
Norma Miller was the youngest of the Lindy Hoppers and presently the author of several books, Norma Miller's Swing Baby Swing, chronicles the evolution of the swing dance culture into the 21st century, a comedian, actress and choreographer.
What follows is a list of characteristics of African-oriented dances that are found in African-American dance forms. Many of these characteristics are still very much a part of swing dancing. Some of these characteristics are seen primarily in Savoy Style Lindy Hop, and less in some of the other swing forms. Swing Dancing has continued to evolve in our communities, locally and in national competitions Texas Regionals Goal is to Educate, Preserve, and Pass the Torch to our youth.
US Open - Anaheim California Shirley Duncan,Norma Miller, Diana Howard, Lasonda Campbell
Anaheim, CA Norma & Diana
Norma Miller
Norma Miller
