PIONEERS OF JAZZ
-DANCERS -

For a brief history of Lindy Hop, click here. Note: these images have been compiled from various sources on the web.

(SHORTY) GEORGE SNOWDEN (1904-1982)

George Snowden (July 4, 1904 – May 1982) with his partner Mattie Purnell, is credited with inventing the dance that became the #lindyhop.

He appeared in the first instance of Lindyhop on film in the movie "After Seben" (1929)

#dancer #TheyMadeUsDance #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackExcellence #Swing

MATTIE PURNELL

Mattie Purnell with her partner George Snowden, is credited with co-creating the dance that became the #lindyhop.

She appeared in the first instance of Lindyhop on film in the movie "After Seben" (1929)

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth

BIG BEA GAY

Big Bea Gay is best known for her comedic performances with Shorty George Snowden.

In these routines she would carry the short George Snowden on her back. They appeared in the film "Ask Uncle Sol" (1937).

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth

Source: @dogpossum4real

NORMA MILLER (1919-2019)

Norma Adele Miller (Dec 2, 1919–May 5, 2019) was an American Lindy hop dancer, choreographer, actress, author, and comedian known as the "Queen of Swing".

She was last surviving member of Whitey's Lindyhoppers.

#Trickeration #dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth

SNAKEHIPS TUCKER (1906-1937)

Earl "Snakehips" Tucker (Aug 14, 1906-May 14, 1937) was an American dancer and entertainer.

Known as the "Human Boa Constrictor", he acquired the nickname "snakehips" via the dance he popularized in Harlem in '20s.

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth Src:@wikipedia

AL MINNS (1920-1985)

Al Minns (1 Jan 1920–24 Apr 1985), was a prominent American Lindy Hop and jazz dancer.

Famous for his film and stage performances as a member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. Instrumental in #lindyhop revival in 80s

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth Source: @wikipedia

LEON JAMES

Leon James was a prominent American Lindy Hop and jazz dancer.

A member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, he and partner Willa Mae Ricker were featured in a photo essay in LIFE Magazine, demonstrating air steps.

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth Source: @wikipedia

MARIE BRYANT (1919 – 1978)

Marie Bryant (Nov 6, 1919 – May 23, 1978) was an American dancer, singer and choreographer.

She danced and sang in the Award-winning 1944 film "Jammin' the blues". In the 70s she ran the Marie Bryant Dance Studios

#TheyMadeUsDance #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM source: @wikipedia

FRANKIE MANNING
(1914-2009)

Frankie Manning (May 26, 1914–Apr 27, 2009) was an American dancer, instructor, and choreographer.

"Ambassador of Lindyhop" Inventor of the Air Step, Manning is considered one of the founders of Lindy Hop.

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth

Source: @wikipedia

FREIDA WASHINGTON

Freida Washington – American dancer famous for being half of the partnership (with @FrankieLindyHop Frankie Manning) to perform the first air-step and as a member of the incredible Whiteys Lindy Hoppers

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth Source: @atomicballroom

WILLAMAE RICKER (1910-1978)

Willamae Ricker (7 Apr 1910–Jun '78) was one of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.

She was featured in the 1943 LIFE Magazine story on the Lindy Hop with Leon James with whom she won the first Harvest Moon Ball in '35.

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth Src: http://www.savoystyle.com/willamae_ricker.html

DOT MILLER

Dot Miller, Norma Miller's older sister, danced with the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers in A Day At The Races.

#dancer #theymadeusdance #BHM #blackhistorymonth

Source: @dogpossum

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse