Bali Lindy Camp (16-18 Oct)

Close to 60 people now, of which SG contingent is about a third of that! :)  So, if you’re not up to much that weekend, or even if you are, swing by!  Details on the website in the flyer.

Tops and Wilder

Here we have 2 original Lindy hoppers from the Savoy, Tops and Wilder doing two routines, the first being the Tranky Doo, done to “Broadway”, followed by a Lindy routine with some pretty kick ass and very cleanly executed aerials.  We were just discussing the name of the band in Herrang… and Peter Loggins managed to get some information about it, but I can’t for the life of me remember it now. Oh well, here they are…

Some Nicholas Brothers Clips

Had a conversation with one of the programmers at the Esplanade while I was teaching for the Da:ns Festival, and I was just saying how it is a pity that they were African-Americans at a particular  time in American and Hollywood history. I have always found the notion of seggregation ridiculous, and sad, not just for the people affected (to think of how many African Americans who actually perform at clubs would not be allowed in as guests…), but also for those who impose them.

If things were different, I believe that the Nicholas Brothers would have been bigger names that Gene Kelley or Fred Astaire.  It is sad, that when you mention tap, people will think of the two white American tappers, and when you mention Fayard or Harold Nicholas, they’d go “who?”, and then when i show them some of the clips (“Stormy Weather”, appearing elsewhere on this blog), they’re like “Wow”.  They are my favourite tappers (and Fayard was such a nice guy), and to me, one of the most talented.

Presented here are two of their clips, in their younger days.