Harlem’s Dilemma:  Not Alive and Kicking’s Fault                       Aftermath It’s been almost 4 months since one person’s major shock in Harlem about Alive and Kicking . Seeing it on the big screen was indeed a big SMACK for some present, or unfamiliar with what’s happening outside of Harlem with the community’s most famous dance.  Thus the above reaction but honestly some others who were there and who are on the NYC screen were stunned and a little surprised too… Basically they were insulted that it took 40 minutes in the film before this topic was addressed “Where is the Black Community”?  Indeed people of color WERE missing from the filmed scenes - except say a few raisins in the background in scenes – but don’t blame the filmmaker.  There are quite a few reasons why For many of color it’s been a jolt of electricity to see this film…. But then the initial “rush” or feel...

On May 26 th 2014 World Lindy Hop Day was declared by The Frankie Manning Foundation.  This was part of the four day celebration held in New York and part of Harlem called Frankie 100. Much of Harlem wasn’t at this event: No cut against them but in actuality they were “clueless” as to much of the festivities that were going on... Here is the schedule  http://frankie100.com/festival-a-z/event-schedule/ .   Perhaps around April and May they may have seen something in a newspaper about the event…  on a Harlem website or on Facebook , depending who their  friends were (or perhaps an ad)….  But alas there are a few reasons for this lack of Harlem “support”. One major one is that the event was advertised primarily and seemingly for the greater Lindy Hop (Land) community.  It was advertised so much so amongst Lindy Hoppers that tickets for the event - IN SEPTEMBER 2016 for MAY 2017 – were  sold out in waves – and  in mi...