We acknowledge that the core dances we teach, perform and share come from African American and Black culture, as does the jazz music we love.
We acknowledge that we do so without lived experience of this culture and are deeply grateful to be able to experience this amazing art form.
We endeavour to continue educating ourselves about the historical, political and social context from which jazz and lindy hop grew, and in which it exists today. Understanding this helps us to honour the roots of the dance and music.
If you would like to learn more, then Odysseus Bailer has a list of recommendations from a recent workshop he held which he has kindly agreed to let us share with you all.
And do look at this list of resources created primarily by Abbie Bentley, with helpful input from other members of the dance community, and shared with kind permission. Abbie asks us to note that this is a work in progress and we really appreciate the work that she’s put in to creating this.
