Shim Sham Al Minns & Leon james version

Shim Sham - AL Minns & Leon James version

The Shim Sham dance where often used as an encore in shows and all performers could Shim Sham together. Harlem dancer and choreographer Leonard Reed created it together with Willie Bryant in the early 30s and it spread from that moment.

Leon James and Al Minns, famous dancers from the Whitey´s Lindy Hoppers as well as famous Savoy dancers, used this dance often. They had a version with some extra steps and variations. Sakarias and Fredrik dance their version in this video. This version is most often referred to as Al&Leon Shim Sham.

Search and learn about Al Minns(Albert Minns) and Leon James. Watch their dancing and learn to understand the appreciation and joy they seemed to have. Their rhythmical dancing and teamwork is magic. Al Minns spent a month here in Stockholm passing on as much knowledge as possible. Some of his interviews from Stockholm can be found online. He explains dancing in the most beautiful way and talks about rhythm, your partner and the music as the most important ingredients.

Music: Do you wanna Jump, Children - Harlem Kiddies
(We do not own the rights to use this music. We share this video only to share knowledge and jazz dance history)

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FILM PROJECT:

WHEN RHYTHM MOVES US
A film project made out of inspiration - For us to remember, create and to hopefully inspire.

BACKGROUND
Through film, many generations of dancers, their expressions, styles and routines are remembered and kept alive. Our studies and this project is our contribution to this tradition. Many steps and all the routines are traditional and created during the1930s-1950s.

PARTS
Improvisation and choreography makes the different chapters in this film. Choreographies are filmed not only for sharing our favorite routines, but also to share an idea about expressions, style and rhythm based dancing. By sharing we hope to inspire others to follow their own unique voice, style and passion.

AESTHETICS
This project is a collaboration between Harlem Hot Shots - Stockholm, Karl Torstensson (Director), Hanna Kriisa (Director of Photography). Aesthetics was formed through a mash up inspired by simplicity, old school light design and todays modern film techniques. Modern high quality cameras was used with 1960s lenses to create highest quality photage with softer contrast and definition. Room and lights are inspired by Spirit Moves by Mura Dehn (1940s). No distractions, only pure dancing.


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The Harlem Hot Shots is a group of dancers profoundly inspired by the greats of the jazz era. Representing styles that originally derived out of Harlem during the prime time of swing. Rhythm, improvisation, personal expressions - freedom.

This film is a part of a collection of traditional swing dance choreographies we filmed for the help of spreading knowledge on the origins and original styles in swing and jazz dancing. Filmed in an environment with no distractions. The idea is to give a clear picture of the original rhythms and movements uniquely interpreted by each individual dancer.

By making this film we also want to thank all dancers that contributed to these dance styles and choreographies. For originating these styles and steps. For choreographing them and sharing your passion with the world. Dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Esther Washington, Chazz Young, Sugar Sullivan, Albert Minns, Leon James, The Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, the hole cast of The Spirit Moves, Mama Lou Parks and her dancers, Mabel Lee, Dawn Hampton with your endless joy and many many many more.


E-mail: [email protected]

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