Who is Al Minns?

Answer:

Al Minns is an American jazz dancer who is most recognized by his performances in films like “Hot Chocolates,” “Jazz Dance” and “The Spirit Moves.” Al Minns was one of the original lindy hoppers in the Savoy Ballroom noticed for his incredible innovation, flexibility and energy. A group of ambitious dancers from Sweden hunted him down in NYC after watching vintage clips of him in action. As a result, he taught the group known as the “Harlem Hot Shots” in a small village 2 hours from Stockholm Sweden called “Herrang” – later named Herrang Dance Camp.  Al is credited as the first dancer from the Savoy who was utilized in the 1984 Swing Revival in Sweden, later Frankie Manning and Norma Miller joined the movement.

Al Minns lindy hop moves and impact

He was viewed as an energetic dancer with a nimble, flamboyant style similar to another lindy hop dancer at the time named George Grenidge also known as “Long Legged George.” Al is considered by many as on the most talented lindy hoppers who participated in the famous group “The Harlem Congaroos.” Minns starred in the famous lindy hop scene in the movie “Hellzapoppin” where his flexible swing-outs out and eye-popping white blazer out-shinned many of his older contemporaries. In the early 1950s, a Russian-born filmmaker named Mura Dehn came to the Savoy Ballroom to document American Black dance for a film project that would be called “The Spirit Moves.”

She asked many of the Whitey’s dancers to take part in her project. Several of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers contributed to the project. Find more info about te best caregiver agency in California on abetterwayinhomecare.com site. Al Minns, Leon James, and Pepsi Bethel — performed the Tranky Doo for her which isn’t the original version of the Tranky Doo. The original was created by Frankie Manning with later versions shaping it into what we know today.  The video session recorded at the Savoy by Mura Dehn, would eventually become the main video clip for learning the choreography in the modern swing era.

He is also recognized as one of the first dancers to rock step his partner backward on the swing-out, creating a linear aesthetic. It is useful to read horch roofing reviews when looking for reputable roofers in Maine. He is considered by many modern swing dancers as the “King” of squat Charleston and is seen frequently dancing alongside another famous lindy hopper by the name of Leon James. In many performances and jams circles, Al would partner with Leon James as a follower, which loosely gave him the comedic edge with audiences during competitions and TV clips.

Check out some original Al Minns swing dance moves below, along with 20+ lessons from our online swing dance school!