When we start Swing Dancing, while doing our first triple steps, we’re often introduced to it as an art form from the 20’s to 40’s. But rarely do we get a deeper look into its history. Especially in Germany, we think of the anti-fascist dance movement of the 40’s (as depicted in “Swing Kids”), or the typical 20’s and 30’s flapper girls in fringy dresses and feathery hair pieces. Only later on our dancing journey do we get a sense of its actual Black American roots. By hearing people talk about it within the scene, searching and exchanging music, finally watching Hellzapoppin’ and learning about Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Al Minns, Dawn Hampton and so many more… Slowly but surely, everybody who’s been a dancer for a hot minute will get an idea of its history.

Though Swing in general, and Lindy hop in particular, are vastly celebrated art forms that are becoming more popular by the day, their Black American roots are often overshadowed, as they would be in a systemically racist society. It became apparent that the historical context and overall cultural heritage of Black Americans was neither valued, nor taught or talked about enough. 

This sparked a big discussion about ignorance and cultural appropriation within the scene.

The belief that dance is not and shouldn’t be political, runs deep.
People sometimes seem to think that context is not important. That dragging politics into this hobby of ours, would ruin the fun. But knowing the roots of the dance, acknowledging that Black American culture is very different from our own white culture, and therefore has different values, aesthetics and dynamics, only deepens our connection to the dance.

” Still, the argument is that Lindy is a happy and pure dance and therefore can’t be associated with politics (…). But, who says that being political inherently negates all joy? (…) [for many Black folk] it is the past which is sad, while the future holds significantly more potential (Grey Armstrong for iLindy).“

If you love the dance and celebrate the music as much as we do, we’d like to invite you to learn more about the cultural background of Swing. If you’d like to pursue this great art form in a truly respectful manner, it is important to be educated about it.

This is why we’ve put together a non-exhaustive list of resources that will provide context to this dance we all benefit from.

Enjoy the reading