Watch Dancing the Big Apple 1937

Dancing the Big Apple is a 2009 documentary film that explores the roots of swing dancing and its significant role during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. The film is directed by American filmmaker, Carol Teten and features interviews with several prominent swing dancers including Daniel Hermann, Frankie Manning, and Judy Pritchett.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the bustling streets of Harlem, New York City, where the iconic dance form was born. The Big Apple dance craze became a cultural phenomenon that spread rapidly throughout the country and helped to break down racial barriers during a time of great social inequality in the United States.

The movie features archival footage of some of the most influential swing dancers of the time, including Manning, who is credited with inventing the Lindy Hop, and Norma Miller, a member of the legendary swing dance troupe, Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.

Throughout the film, Hermann, Manning, Pritchett, and other dancers share their personal stories and experiences of growing up in Harlem during the 1930s and 1940s. They discuss the music and culture that drove the Big Apple dance craze, and the significant impact it had on American society at the time.

Dancing the Big Apple also explores some of the challenges and obstacles that dancers faced during the 1930s, such as Jim Crow laws and segregation. Despite these challenges, the film highlights how swing dancing ultimately helped to bridge racial divides and create a sense of unity amongst people.

The soundtrack of the film is made up of classic jazz and swing music from artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. The music sets the tone for the film and transports viewers back in time to an era of great creativity, energy, and social change.

Ultimately, Dancing the Big Apple is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of dance to bring people together. It pays homage to the pioneers of swing dancing and their legacy, which continues to inspire and influence dancers around the world today.

Dancing the Big Apple 1937 is a music movie with a runtime of 29 minutes.