1927-1928 The Birth of Lindy-Hop

So how did we ever get the name Lindy-hop? It sounds like a nice name for a lady? Was it named after a woman? In truth it was named after a man, and a famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. And what was so amazing was that he flew the Spirit of St. Louis(a custom-built, single engine, single-seat monoplane) from New York to Paris in 33 and a half hours, the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.  Everyone knew of this feat and it won him the $25, 000 Ortega Prize (the equivalent of  $334,075 in today's dollars) Here is the story on how that ties to our now beloved dance own as the Lindy-hop:

In the early twenties dance marathons were a popular attraction and drew thousands of spectators. At one time or another, every major city held a dance marathon and every major city attempted to ban the dance marathons.”... “Two reporters for the New York World newspaper were on hand to report on the event. Fox MovieTone news was also filming the event and focused in on Shorty Snowden’s feet. An interviewer asked him what he was doing with his feet. Shorty replied “the Lindy.” Other reports quoted shorty as saying, “I’m doing the Hop, just like Lindy.” With that simple improvisation and statement, the Lindy Hop was born.” Giordano, Ralph. Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference, Volume II. Greenwood Press 2007

This image to your left is of "Shorty George" by Harlem Renaissance painter Norman Lewis

So come one come all and celebrate Shorty Snowden and Lindy-hop this weekend at Swing Dance Sunday! DJ Sean playing some hot licks'!

First time on the swing dance floor? The Dance Shack will be teaching a beginner east coast swing lesson starting at 7PM sharp. The dance floor opens up right around 8PM. As always, there is no cover to enter! Swing Dance Sunday is 21+.

-Jen

There's always plenty of street parking available.

Address:

The Volstead

115 W Adams St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Check out the bar's website here

Ample street parking!

Here is the Legendary Shorty George Snowden and his Partner Big Bea in 1937 dancing in the film "After Seben"

Featured Below is a collection of news clips about Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight.

Whether you are a teetotaler or a whale, they've got gigglewater for the ombibulous; with Anthony Williams playing some hot licks in this barrelhouse and Naga Devi as your jumpin' jill guide, this ain't your average juice joint; be there or be square at the Volstead Sunday Night!

Translation:: 
First time on the swing dance floor? The dance shack with the lovely Naga Davi will be teaching a free beginner East Coast Swing Lesson starting at 7PM sharp. There's always plenty of street parking available.



-Jen

The Dance floor opens up right around 8PM with beats spun by the
talented Anthony Williams.
As always, there is no cover to enter! Swing Dance Sunday is 21+.

Address:
The Volstead
115 W Adams St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Some fun links for Prohibition Era phrases and Swing Dance Lingo.