Social Dancing in the '30s
Various forms of dancing had long been a part of American life ... but the rise of the phonograph expanded opportunities for many, especially young working- and middle-class people, to engage in social dancing. ... Dancing flourished as inexpensive recreation in the 1930s. more »
Source: Daily Life Online
Learn the Dances of the 1930s
Online Videos:
American Foxtrot
Quick intermediate Foxtrot Lesson taught by Teresa Mason.
Swing
Instructional swing dance pattern for beginners.
American Tango
Beginner video lesson on American style tango.
Lindy Hop Basics
Lindy Hop Part 2
Lindy Hop Part 4
Learn the basics of Lindy Hop, broken down by Tiffiny Wine and Daniel Newsome.
Dance Instruction DVDs/Videos in the Collection:
Ballroom Dancing: Intermediate
Designed to increase dancing skills beyond the beginner level. Learn one-on-one, step-by-step with Teresa, as she takes you through the techniques of the most popular dances.
Ballroom Dancing: Advanced
Introduces the most advanced steps of the most popular social dances. Designed for all ages anf for those who have already mastered the beginner and intermediate levels.
You Can Dance Swing
Vicki Regan teaches step by step, starting with basics, then working up to combinations.
Learn to Swing Dance DVD | VHS
Two professional dance instructors take you through the East Coast Single and Triple Swing with step by step instructions and demonstrations. Covers 32 swing dance steps.
Let's Dance Swing
Professional dance instructor John Hill teaches classic swing dance moves from beginners' steps to elaborate kicks and spins.
Swing Dancing with Teresa Mason
Features the basic steps for the five most popular swing dances including: West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Lindy, Jitterbug and Jive.
Swing & Slow Dances
Learn to dance the foxtrot, lindy and waltz by following the feet on the screen.
Cal Pozo's Swing
Dancer/instructor Cal Pozo demonstrates the jitterbug, jump-jive, the Lindy hop, east/west coast swing, and western swing.
Lindy Hop: Level 1: Beginner
Learn how to dance introductory level Savoy-style Lindy Hop, the original style of swing which later was called Jitterbug. Octegenarian Frankie Manning and dance instructor Erin Stevens teach basic rhythms, footwork, styling, plus six basic moves of the Lindy Hop.
History of Dance
Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop
With co-author Cynthia R. Millman, Frankie Manning traces the evolution of swing dancing from its early days in Harlem through the post-World War II period.
This Joint is Jumpin'
This documentary traces the history of Swing from its first emergence in the 1920s to its current revival across the United States, Canada and Europe. Interspersed in the program are interviews with legends like Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton, Ray Anthony and Sam Butera.You'll hear how the original Swing bands influenced current groups like Royal Crown Revue, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Indigo Swing and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
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Life During the Great Depression | About The Big Read
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.