“The first hour, of the first two hour session, of our Swing I class is devoted entirely to the history of Swing dancing from the early days of the slave trade to present. It includes a contrast in the music & dance of African & European cultures during the mid 1800's and how those cultures collided in America through slavery. How early jazz music and dance migrated west for the rebuilding of San Francisco after the great earthquake and how it was their we find the first video of the "Texas Tommy" and it's "breakaway" technique that marked the birth of modern swing dancing. And how that particular dance then migrated back east to land in NYC in the early 1920's.” [George H.]

“In classes we try to weave in history and cultural context regularly throughout each (and all) series, so it doesn't dominate any one class, but becomes a familiar refrain and motif.” [Leah J.]

“I usually cover some of the social and political issues from the history that goes with the dance and music... little things like “this was a number 7 hit for Erskine Hawkins (his song), but a white band covered it and it went to number 1”.” [Leah J.]

“It’s important to frame swing dance in the context of the time and what was happening in Harlem. We talk about the significance of the Savoy Ballroom as the “incubation” space for the first and second generation Lindy Hoppers and discussed the famous black swing bands that played there and inspired many dancers. And play some Basie and Chick Webb tunes as the favorites of the Savoy! It was easy for us to have an 8 count class completely dedicated to Frankie’s favorite moves.” [Mimi L.]