It would not be difficult to trace Break Dancing and Hip Hop to its roots this silent clip (from the American Library of Congress public collection) filmed at the start of the 20th century (or late 19th?). I’ve always said that Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz was the Hip Hop of its day – it was popular culture, youths across America were crazy about it, and it belonged in the streets - and I do believe that there is a clear connection between its modern form and its original jazz version. It’s an ongoing project of mine to observe and trace the similarities and development of the dance through the ages to the present day. A work-in-progress showing will be featured in about two weeks – details out soon!
Meanwhile, as we cross into the new year, with new ventures and projects, let us not forget our origins and our beginnings that ground our being, whatever they may be, and use that to spring us into the future and the new while keeping us real.
Happy New Year, one and all – let’s continue to do the vintage dance that never goes out of style! Have a swingin’ 2009.
[ the vid-post has been removed but you can still view it at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dm4zOSA2nw ]
