“A
violinist had a violin, a painter his palette.
All
I had was myself. I was the instrument that I must care for”
[Josephine Baker].
In the heart of the night of June 4th, 2015,
minds were taken aback to days of old, when the Harlem Swing Dance Society
lindy hopped across the Alhambra Ballroom.
It was the first annual Purple Passion gala where crowds
of beautiful people filled the room situated on 127th Street and
Adam Clayton Powell Blvd in Harlem, New York to raise funds against domestic
violence.
Swing sounds influenced movements of Harlem’s fantastic
dancers, reigniting history before viewer’s eyes. Though a dance from the
1930s, the antiquated dance brought joy to the hearts of so many.
The sharing of these rhythmic complexities are all a
“part of a worldwide trend to get back to the dance floor” [Shona Smith].
Dancers Etta Dixon, Bernard Dove, Ronald Jones and Shana Weaver are all a part
of the Harlem Swing Dance Society, now in their seventh year of operation,
collaborating with established historical organizations in Harlem and making a
valuable contribution to the vibrant arts, culture and health of the community.
I will never forget watching the Nicholas Brothers slide,
hop and split down stairs in the movie, “Stormy Weather” which also featured
the swinging diva, Lena Horne, crooning her beauty to the world as dancers let
their fancy foot work speak for them. The only difference in the W.A.R.M. event
at Alhambra Ball Room was that the jazz band, Alvin Rogers and Harlem Freedom
Band featuring Stephanie Jeannot performed separately adding their genuine flavor
to the room. The music they played was kicking and had folks getting down,
followed by the true seasoned kicks of the Harlem Swing Dance Society keeping
the 90 year old dance within today’s culture. There was history parked in the
midst of each couple and right there in Harlem where the lindy hop first
started.
The vibe at the Savoy Ballroom in the thirties must have
been amazing when these dances first appeared with Frankie “Meathead” Manning
and Charles Lindbergh, and were igniting passions. What a great idea to go back to our African
roots to help in celebrating the joys of life. If you are interested in knowing
more about the Harlem Swing Dance Society and about the historical dance, the
lindy hop, please check out:
