Swing Dance Moves to Europe during the War Years

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The Lindy Hop

The swing band era, which lasted roughly from the late 1920s through the early 1940s, represents the last time that jazz was truly popular in America. The reason that jazz was immensely popular during this period was that jazz big bands provided exciting music for the entertainment of dancers. As a result, some very original dances styles evolved, such as the lindy hop and jitterbug. These dances were often done in a very acrobatic and physically demanding style. Check out some vintage video clips of the lindy hop. By the way, recently, bands such as the Cherry Popping Daddies, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and others have revived the big band dance craze. Take a look at the video below, and you will immediately see how lively and fun this dance can be.

Link

Jazz and Swing Dancing Move to Europe (1930s)

In the 1930s, American swing band music, dance, and life style grew popular in Europe and influenced a generation of young Germans whose country was about to enter into WWII. Read about what happened to them and how the German government took extreme efforts to ban the music. The story was made into a Hollywood movie (1992) called "Swing Kids." Go to the link below and read about some of the history behind this remarkable story.

Link German Swing Youth

Photo Credit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotbaz/109366632/