When Rhythm Moves Us - Jam Session

Jam session - A part of our project When Rhythm Moves Us
Made by us to learn and get deeper in to the feeling and understanding of Jazz dance history. Read more about Jazz and Lindy Hop history and the Afro American roots in books like the Frankie Manning Biography, Jazz Dance The Story of American Vernacular Dance by Marshall and Jean Stearns etc
Jazz music started in America and syncopated rhythms soon spread and arrived in Stockholm during 1919 thanks to the 369th regiment military orchestra the "Hellfighters Band" lead by James Reese who played what we learned to call jazz rhythms in France during the world war.
The scene in Stockholm was fairly good through the 20s, 30s and 40s. Music was super good. Dancing were more focused on Foxtrot and mixed swing styles. Some where doing what they called Jitterbug. A deep connection between Swedish dance and jazz dance culture and the roots in Harlem started in the 80s when we had Albert Minns, Frankie Manning, Norma Miller and many more started spending time in Stockholm teaching and passing on their knowledge. Stockholms swing dance culture grew big and with deep roots in the traditional rhythmical approach. We cannot thank these old-timers enough for the contribution they made and all the inspiration they have given us. Frankie Manning once said: I just wish everybody could do this dance. We wish the same and promised to keep spreading the knowledge about this.
In this video you will see improvised Lindy Hop, jazz dancing and some charleston and tap. Improvisation is one of the free and amazing parts of swing dancing. Sometimes you will see what we call quotes. Short steps made famous by original dancers that we use in our improvisation to express our feelings in the moment. In improvisation, you either fly free or hold on to steps and techniques you know and play around with them in connection to how the music moves you at the moment.
WHEN RHYTHM MOVES US
A film project made out of inspiration - For us to remember, create and to hopefully inspire.
BACKGROUND
Through film, many generations of dancers, their expressions, styles and routines are remembered and kept alive. Our studies and this project is our contribution to this tradition. Many steps and all the routines are traditional and created during the1930s-1950s.
PARTS
Improvisation and choreography makes the different chapters in this film. Choreographies are filmed not only for sharing our favorite routines, but also to share an idea about expressions, style and rhythm based dancing. By sharing we hope to inspire others to follow their own unique voice, style and passion.
AESTHETICS
This project is a collaboration between Harlem Hot Shots - Stockholm, Karl Torstensson (Director), Hanna Kriisa (Director of Photography). Aesthetics was formed through a mash up inspired by simplicity, old school light design and todays modern film techniques. Modern high quality cameras was used with 1960s lenses to create highest quality photage with softer contrast and definition. Room and lights are inspired by Spirit Moves by Mura Dehn (1940s). No distractions, only pure dancing.
MUSIC in this video:
Jitterbug - Seymoure Österwall
(We do not own the rights to use this music. We share this video with a purpose to share jazz dance history and knowledge)
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DANCERS:
The Harlem Hot Shots is a group of dancers profoundly inspired by the greats of the jazz era. Representing styles that originally derived out of Harlem during the prime time of swing. Rhythm, improvisation, personal expressions - freedom.
This film is a part of a collection of traditional swing dance choreographies we filmed for the help of spreading knowledge on the origins and original styles in swing and jazz dancing. Filmed in an environment with no distractions. The idea is to give a clear picture of the original rhythms and movements uniquely interpreted by each individual dancer.
By making this film we also want to thank all dancers that contributed to these dance styles and choreographies. For originating these styles and steps. For choreographing them and sharing your passion with the world. Dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Esther Washington, Chazz Young, Sugar Sullivan, Albert Minns, Leon James, The Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, the hole cast of The Spirit Moves, Mama Lou Parks and her dancers, Mabel Lee, Dawn Hampton with your endless joy and many many many more.
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: harlemhotshots