Think You Can Dance?

January 2010

If you think you can dance you should try to dance the Lindy Hop!  It’s fast, it swings, it’s sassy and it’s exhilarating.  And boy, do you need to be fit!

Students from a range of Lambeth College’s performing arts courses were given the opportunity to show off their Charleston, Jive and Lindy Hop moves at the recording of a BBC Learning Zone programme which aims to capture the dance styles from the 1920’s through to the 50’s and 60’s.  Our students joined professional dance troupe ‘The Jiving Lindy Hoppers’ (Europe’s leading authentic Jazz dance company) who are based in West London, to make eleven short films aimed at primary school children and their teachers.

The students almost wore out their dancing shoes recreating the original Dixie dance halls amidst the art deco, sequins and glamour of the 1920’s.  Using original Charleston steps they danced until they dropped.

After a short costume change they were back on their feet and under the guidance of Jazz dance choreographer Warren Hayes for an afternoon’s exploration of authentic 1940’s swing.  Akeam Henry donned the traditional GI fatigues and danced with fellow student Lasharna Richmond in front of the cameras.  Their routine thrilled the cast and crew and delighted their tutor Kathryn Culbert.  She said: “I’m proud of my students today.  They came through and showed how resilient and versed they have become in a range of dance disciplines since beginning their courses.”

Professional dancer and West End performer and choreographer Jreena Green (an original cast member of The Lion King) said: “I’m so impressed with the enthusiasm, talent and real ‘snaz’ of the dancers!”

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