The end of the roaring 20s was approaching and in the US, a new form of expression through movement was emerging. A new way of letting loose, to the sounds of modern variants of jazz music. The most notorious of these variants, and the closest to rock’n’roll at that time was Swing. It revolutionized dance floors, exploding into the decade of the 30s, with its devilish rythms and booming drums, piano, guitars and trumpets.
New Orleans, 1930. Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith led what was coined as ‘Jazz Swing’, the popular American music form that was blasted in Storyville, the place to be and be seen for all those looking for a mighty good time. It was a sort of sinners Club where everything that was regarded as inappropriate by society took place. Where whites and people of color defied cultural barriers, where ground breaking music forms were born for the enjoyment of the euphoric crowds.
Storyville was an oasis in the midst of a society completely divided by racial conflict, a place where you could forget about your problems with a swing of the hip.
Swing broke all the rules applied to multi-instrumental music and it became a dance with a great many variants. An updated version Charleston in the 20s, that started with Lindy Hop, a more informal and unfussed way of couple dancing, that emerged from the streets of Harlem.
The fast pace and agile movements – apart from having an innate rhythm – are basic requirements for dancers who take a brave shot at this discipline.
Becomming the most popular dance style until the 50s, that you’ll be able to learn in pure American style at our temple for Lovers & Sinners: Romeo’s Motel & Diner. Ladies, get out your full skirts and dresses out, and Gentlemen, roll up your sleeves because you’re going to boogie harder than Little Richard in a ‘Lucille’ performance. Swing is meant to be danced with a partner, so go find yourself one… Let’s shake those hips!