Seben) - in The Mid-Thirties, Frank. Manning Introduced The Angular Posture That Soon
Seben) - in The Mid-Thirties, Frank. Manning Introduced The Angular Posture That Soon
Seben) - in The Mid-Thirties, Frank. Manning Introduced The Angular Posture That Soon
Introduction: During the days of slavery in the United States, the African slaves
entertained themselves, and others, with musical and dance forms that contained elements
they brought with them from Africa. Some of the dances the slaves created went on to
become national dance crazes for all Americans, such as the Cakewalk, and later the
Black Bottom and the Charleston. When the Lindy Hop emerged in Harlem in the late
1920's it contained many of these African characteristics. However, it was danced in a
rigid, upright manner (as you can see on the Shorty George Snowden filmclip, After
Seben). In the mid-thirties, Frank. Manning introduced the angular posture that soon
swept the Savoy Ballroom. Manning had no idea that hewas bringing the dance closer to
its African roots-- he says, "I thought it looked better that way, that's all."
What follows are a list of characteristics of African dance that are
found in African-American dance forms.
Many of these characteristics are still very much a part of swing
dancing. Some of these characteristics are
seen primarily in Savoy style Lindy Hop, and less in some of the
other swing forms.
This list is reprinted with permission from a book called "When
the Spirit Moves" which accompanied a
traveling exhibition of African-American dance art.
African Movement
Vocabulary. African dance moves all
parts of the body, in contrast to many
European forms that rely mostly on
arm and leg movement. Angular
bending of arms, legs and torso;
shoulder and hip movement; scuffing,
stamping, and hopping steps;
asymmetrical use of the body; and
fluid movement are all part of African
dance.
Importance of the
Community. Africans danced mainly
with and for the community. Solo
performers were supported and
affirmed by the group through singin,
hand clapping, and shouted
encouragement.
Competitive Dance. Competing
through dance is a widespread custom
in West and Central Africa. In
America, this tradition continued in
"cutting" contests, challenge dances,
Cakewalk contests, Break Dance
rivalries, Jitterbug competitions, Step
Dance shows, and other events.
Carolina's
1st Jan, 1930
Shag
West Coast
1st Jan, 1931
Swing
Burlesque Fan
1st Jan, 1932
Dance
Texas Two
1st Jan, 1970
Step