Introduction
Dance is a universal language, and many styles continue to captivate people across the globe. One such style is the Lindy Hop. Emerging in the 1920s and 30s, this dance style has left an indelible mark on history and culture. By incorporating the Lindy Hop into education programs, teachers can engage students in a creative learning experience that showcases a vibrant part of our past.
Origin of Lindy Hop
Born in Harlem, New York City, the Lindy Hop blended African-American rhythms with European partner dance elements. Named after aviator Charles Lindbergh’s spectacular “hop” across the Atlantic Ocean, the Lindy Hop rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance. With its energetic rhythm and sweeping movements, this dance quickly became a symbol of joy and freedom.
The African-American Influence
Key to the birth and identity of the Lindy Hop were African-American contributions to music and dance. Inhabitants of Harlem embraced jazz music – particularly swing – as an integral part of their culture. Jazz bands played at renowned venues such as the Savoy Ballroom and provided an essential soundtrack for dancers to let loose, invent new moves, or refine existing ones.
The Influence on White America
As more white Americans ventured into Harlem to take in lively music and dancing, the appeal of Lindy Hop spread beyond racial lines. Hollywood took notice and began featuring Lindy dancers in movies like Hellzapoppin’, exporting their performances to international audiences. Touring dance troops brought further attention to this fascinating art form.
Teaching The Dance Today
Whether you’re teaching students about social history, music, or dance itself, including the Lindy Hop provides myriad opportunities for engagement.
1. Dance Lessons: Introduce basic steps so that students can understand the dynamics between partners. Partner work promotes collaborative skills while infusing lessons with fun and excitement.
2. Cultural and Historical Context: Analyzing the development and significance of Lindy Hop sheds light on race relations, popular culture, and societal changes of the time. Engaging multimedia resources such as videos, images, and music can be invaluable in serving these interests.
3. Music Appreciation: Exploring how jazz and swing music complemented the dance provides a broader context to better appreciate the art form.
4. Choreographic Study: Studying choreographies offers insights into the creative process and connects students with influential dancers like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, both of whom played crucial roles in shaping Lindy Hop.
5. Dance Etiquette: Teaching students about dance etiquette extends from studying personal space and respecting partners to understanding the importance of safety on the dance floor.
Conclusion
Introducing the Lindy Hop to students increases their cultural competence while adding depth to their understanding of history. Dance inherently fosters energetic classroom environments, promoting teamwork, creativity, and physical wellness. By teaching students about the Lindy Hop, educators can provide engaging subject matter that highlights a rich tapestry of art, music, culture, and history.
