An immersive intergenerational experience ending with a social dance for everyone to enjoy.
Step into the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance with Swinging at the Savoy. This performance, presented by Jazz Dance Collective, explores dance forms such as tap, Charleston, Cakewalk, and Lindy Hop through the history of the Savoy Ballroom, famously known as the ‘Home of Happy Feet’, where the Lindy Hop was born and jazz music flourished.
This one-hour live dance show celebrates the iconic Savoy Ballroom and its pivotal role in shaping African American dance and culture. Combining dance with live vocal performances, the show pays homage to the early years of the Savoy Ballroom. The performers recreate the spirit of the Tranky Doo, Big Apple, and Shim Sham, capturing the infectious energy that swept through this historic venue. The stage pulsates with dynamic movement, taking the audience back to the birth of these iconic dance routines.
Lindy Hop takes centre stage, showcasing the iconic dance style that put the Savoy Ballroom on the map. Dancers clad in authentic 1930s attire execute intricate Lindy Hop moves and showcase the competitive spirit of the Savoy's legendary dance battles. The performance is accompanied by narration explaining how the Savoy helped break down racial barriers through music and dance.
A highlight of the performance is a tribute to the legendary Nicholas Brothers, featuring tap numbers that exemplify their unmatched precision and charisma. The audience will be transported to an era of glitz and glamour as the stage lights up with their electrifying moves. The show pays tribute to the queen of swing, Norma Miller, and her unique contribution to dance. Dancers honour her legacy by bringing to life the spirit of Norma's Swing, infusing the routine with her signature style and infectious enthusiasm.
As the show nears its climax, the audience becomes an integral part of the experience. An interactive session invites attendees to join in the fun with basic Lindy Hop steps and rhythmic claps, guided by the performers. This engagement creates a connection between the audience and the vibrant history they've been witnessing.
The show concludes with a grand finale, a culmination of the dance styles that defined the Savoy Ballroom. Dancers come together for a dazzling display of choreography, seamlessly transitioning from Lindy Hop to tap and more. The stage radiates with the passion and resilience that characterised the Savoy's legacy.
This event is presented as part of Black History Month and accompanies the Jazz Dance in British Culture Exhibition and Opening Event.
About the Jazz Dance Collective:
The Jazz Dance Collective is an educational hub for Tap Dance, Authentic Jazz, and UK Jazz. The Collective brings together the knowledge of Jazz, encompassing both its history and practice. These three disciplines of Jazz dance link its foundation and evolution, providing a coherent line to educate the future generation. Members of the Collective join together in projects, sharing space and discussion. The Collective works together to investigate and contribute to expanding the knowledge of Jazz using the wealth of information from its different aspects.
The Jazz Dance Collective is an organisation that is making Jazz history the foundation of its practice. Jazz was created by African Americans, emerging at a period to liberate the people from the pain and inequality of the New World. It was born out of oppression but gave great freedom to the wider African diaspora, working through pain and hardship using skill and joy. Jazz enriches and frees the soul.
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Contact: If you have any questions regarding this session, please email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk
Venue: The Mulberry Hall at St Margaret's House, 21 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PL
Foyer: The Gallery Cafe (arrive from 6.30pm for a drink, performance at 7.30pm)
Access: Step-free entry to The Gallery Cafe is at the rear, through the garden. It is accessible through the gate located two doors to the left of the cafe’s main entrance. If you have any access needs of which we should be aware, please get in touch with us on 020 8980 2092 or email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk so we can arrange this for you.
Access Support: We are happy to provide a free PA/Carer ticket for anyone with access needs. If you require a PA ticket, please call us on 020 8980 2092 and we’ll discuss your requirements.
Food and Drink: Please be aware that the Cafe will not be serving everything it does during the day. No coffees, but you can buy teas, beer, wine and soft drinks and a selection of salads from the menu or crisps.
Date: Saturday 24th October
Time: 6.30-10pm (the performance will begin at 7.30pm, aftershow social dance from 8.45pm)
Tickets:
Pay Less (covers some of our costs) – I am a student, unemployed, on benefits or financially stressed - £10
Standard (covers most of our costs) – I am employed, have some expendable income, and manage to meet my basic needs - £15
Pay it Forward (covers all of our costs and supports our work) – I am employed or have enough savings to comfortably meet my basic needs - £20