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...

The legendary Savoy Ballroom was a large  ballroom  for music and public dancing located at 596  Lenox Avenue , between 140th and 141st Streets in   Harlem . The Savoy was the one ballroom in the area to be called the "World's Finest Ballroom".   The ballroom was 10,000 square feet in size, was on the second floor and a block long. It could hold up to 4,000 people. The interior was painted pink and the walls were mirrored. Colored lights danced on the sprung layered wood floor. It contained a spacious lobby framing a huge, cut-glass chandelier and marble staircase.  It was in operation from March 12, 1926  to July 10, 1958 ,  and owned by white entrepreneur Jay Faggen with Jewish businessman Moe Gale  (or gangster, as our dear old friend who worked there Charles Dorkins told us). It was managed by African-American business man and civic leader Charles Buchanan (who was also secretary and treasurer). ...

The last day of the month: However for Harlem's rich history Black History Month  is really year round and quite bountiful.  When it comes to Harlem's signature cultural dance of the Lindy Hop the history and its History Makers there are many and their contributions priceless. Within the last 9 months or so in NYC there have been efforts to talk of this rich history in both the downtown area and uptown in Harlem.  As a quick overview and musing we'll examine a few of these a bit to show the importance of getting history straight - or accurate. June 2018 Just a few days before NYC's Mid Summer Night Swing event opened - our BEST outdoor dance party! - there was a free panel discussion on " The History of Lindy Hop".   It was m oderated by Zita Allen, a  Dance critic, author, and professor...and it was to trace the evolution of Lindy hop from its Harlem Renaissance roots to its modern-day revival.  Here is a video of ...