Herbert "Whitey" White was an African American man known as "Whitey" because of the streak of white in his hair. He was a former boxer who became a bouncer at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. In 1935 he created Whitey's Lindy Hoppers. The group took on many different names used for the group over the years, including Whitey's Hopping Maniacs, Harlem Congaroo Dancers, and The Hot Chocolates.
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers often appeared in films. Recently I pulled out a video of the 1941 film Hellzapoppin'. While Whitey insisted that his dance troupe be treated with the utmost respect, the racism of that time is evident as many of the roles played by African Americans were often roles of servitude.
The dancing style of Harlem swing is different the swing dancing I do today. A dance by the name of Dean Collins who took smoothed out the style of dance but the same steps remain.
Dean Collins and his parter Jewel McGowan in the 1941 film "Buck Privates" (The Andrew Sisters singing)
Saul Cohen, professionally known as Dean Collins, began dancing lindy hop at the Savoy ballroom in the early 1930's. Around 1936 Collins traveled to New Orleans to discover the roots of swing, and he traveled to California in hopes to become an actor.
Dean Collin's style of lindy hop came to be known as "Hollywood style" which is different from the bouncy West Coast style and East Coast style swing. In most swing clubs you'll find that Dean's smoother style of swing is preferable.
Like so many things, we all owe a lot to black culture. I think it is important to understand where roots lie. We owe swing dancing to so many greats like Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.
I found the dance clip on youtube so of course I had to post it!
Dance Scene from Hellzapoppin - Whitey's Lindy Hoppers
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