If you want to learn more about the swing dance history, jazz music, about the African American culture that gave birth to both jazz music and dance, this page is for you. We encourage you to dive deeper than just dance steps and swing tunes, and learn about the cultural and historical context of the art form we participate in nowadays.
If you are a guest in African American culture, it is especially important to respect the values of the culture and know about the history and social circumstances in which this culture, including swing dances, has developed. It includes slavery, racism, segregation, migration, cultural appropriation of the black dances by the white population and commercial exploitation of vernacular art forms. Let’s be aware of it and do our best to enlighten ourselves.
The History of Swing 2014- A brief documentary of the history of Swing. Featured dancers include e.g. Norma Miller, Frankie Manning, Clyde Wilder, Mickey Davidson, George Lloyd, Chazz Young, Dawn Hampton. Dance scenes filmed at the Cat Club, organised by the New York Swing Dance Society.
The Call of Jitterbug 2021.– film by Greenroom Productions. Directors: Tana Ross, Jesper Sorensen and Vibeke Winding. Listen to Norma Miller, Frankie Manning, Sugar Sullivan, Mama Lu Parks, and watch Dizzy Gillespie doing the Shim-Sham!
Why is swing so white? | Uncovering the Black roots of the Lindy Hop. – Video by Tanita Dee. This video explores the Lindy Hop’s surprising journey from its Black origins in the Harlem Renaissance to global popularity. The documentary traces its evolution through the Savoy Ballroom and beyond, highlighting cultural shifts and appropriation.
May we have this dance? Podcast by NPR feat. LaTasha Barnes en Felix Berghall
Frankie Manning – Never stop swinging 2009. By Frankie Manning Foundation. A documentary about Frankie’s life and passion for swing dancing.
Vintage Jazz Dance Inspiration – a collection of old jazz dance clips done by JazzMad (Sharon Davis)
National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s video’s Jazz Is… MasterClass Series with Melanie George
THE SPIRIT MOVES 1987. Part 1 – Jazz Dance from the Turn of the Century to 1950. By Mura Dehn.