Acknowledging History

Acknow-ledging History

Respecting the roots and culture of Swing and Blues dancing.

Acknowledging the Black roots of swing and jazz

We acknowledge that the core dances we teach, perform and share come from African American and Black culture, as does the jazz music we love. We acknowledge that we do so without lived experience of this culture and are deeply grateful to be able to experience this amazing art form.

We endeavour to continue educating ourselves about the historical, political and social context from which jazz and lindy hop grew, and in which it exists today. Understanding this helps us to honour the roots of the dance and music.

The legends of Swing

These are just three of the legends of Swing who introduced the world to Swing Dancing and without whom, we wouldn’t be dancing today.

Frankie Manning

Swing dancer extraordinaire Frankie Manning was a leading dancer at Harlem’s legendary Savoy Ballroom where in the mid-1930s, he revolutionised the course of the Lindy Hop with his innovations, including the air step. Frankie was the star of this iconic swing dancing clip

Norma Miller

Norma Miller – also known as the “Queen of Swing” – was the last surviving member of legendary performance troupe Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers and one of the greats of Lindy hop. Author, choreographer, comedian and actor, Norma worked in show business for over seven decades and continues to be an inspiration to Lindy hoppers around the globe.

check out the amazing night that swing patrol hosted the late norma miller, the queen of Swing dancing at the Hippodrome in the centre of London.

Jean Veloz

Jean Veloz (born Jeannette Phelps) is an icon of the Hollywood style of Lindy Hop. After learning to dance with her brothers in the family living room, Jean’s career took off when she won a Hollywood dance contest, earning a Screen Actor’s Guild membership card and a dance cameo in the film Swing Fever (1943). Scott still says that his 90 seconds with Jean Veloz was the best dance experience he has ever had.