Dominick Robinson, Matthew Cherrington, Jessica Hand, Coral Foxworth, Kelly Robinson and Matthew Hunt "I've never heard of them!" people retort.  Well you missed out to a degree but they were part of Harlem's 20th century Lindy Hop story... perhaps rightfully so the 5th generation to keep the culture going  :>) The  Jitterbug  Kids were founded in 2001/2002 and were a group of 8...ranging in the ages of 7 to 10 years old. They were a fixture in Harlem and in NYC, performing at public and private events. Sarina Robinson started the group one year after she was inspired to start taking Lindy Hop/Swing Dance classes.  Having a Dance Studio helped as she gathered this group of children and trained them at dance workshops for one year. Then they were off! While they have grown up to be young ladies and gents they influenced many and got the attention of young and old alike.  These exciting and fun memories and groundwork that was establi...

This past Sunday on CBS (CBS Sunday Morning Show) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hail-and-farewell-to-those-we-lost-in-2019/   they mentioned our dear friend and supporter. Yes they again honorably mentioned Norma Miller as one of our beloved ones that we - and the whole world - lost this last year. As 2020 is about to begin we share some thoughts about the fantastic Queen of Swing.  Seeing her relaxed and chilling, shooting the breeze in her home surroundings.... talking excitedly and lovingly about her new home of Italy and her friends there.... creating and writing new songs... new projects and ideas... looking forward to more and more... Norma with some of her Harlem show-biz friends, representing the Cotton Club, Tap, Lindy Hop and more... Norma performing in Italy during 2019 However of the times we were visiting Norma in her personal sanctuary, one of the most precious and memorable was with Sugar Sullivan.   Both...

" He's the teacher?!   I don't want that White Boy teaching me anything!"    "He's not teaching me my dance!" And with that they - some African Americans/ Black people -  do an about face and march out of the dance classroom... ________________ Harlem and Harlemites (aw heck Black folks!) can be a challenge - and that race card goes both ways a whole lot.  With that bad word "gentrification" and the bullying tactics in the area it can have some of the locals thinking EVERYTHING is being taken/stolen away from them.  So when some folks  - Black and White - see The Harlem Swing Dance Society's main teacher Rafal Pustelny he definitely generates all kinds of reactions.  SSSSSSSSSssssshhhhh.... Most times he is unaware of it ....  ;>) Oh but what they miss out on! Rafal Pustelny has built up quite a resume from the days we met him sometime back when he proudly spoke of "Boogie Woogie" influences. Th...

On October 26th 2019 there was a special Black Lindy Hop Matters event in New York City.  Usually held in Harlem (for the past 2 years) the event was moved downtown for a special screening event honoring Lindy Hop Preservationist and Visionary Ms. Louise "Mama Lu" Parks Duncanson.  Thru her efforts and with many of the Savoy Ballroom & Savoy Manor Lindy Hop Dance Legends (who won titles at the famed NYC Harvest Moon Ball contest) it was imperative that they share stories. These dancers pictured assisted her in numerous ways, and thus they ALL kept Harlem's Lindy Hop culture alive locally and around the world... Ms. Novaks, a Black Cultural Reporter and Artist was on hand at this event, and was shocked at what she saw and learned.  Ms. Barbara Jones assured her this event was only the tip of the iceberg.  This eventually lead to an interview with some pointed and needed questions... .  1. Is there a State of emergency for Bla...