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The Spirit Moves: A History of Social Dance on Film, Pt. 2 (EXCP Bronze)

The Spirit Moves: A History of Social Dance on Film, Pt. 2 (EXCP Bronze)

Starring:: Mura Dehn
Producer:: Dancetime Publications
Level:: -
Genre:: Blues, Lindy Hop, Movies & Documentaries
Format:: DVD
Running Time:: 35 minutes
Release Date:: 2008
Availability:: Available

Summary

** Due to the high cost and limited availability, this title is only available on Silver and Gold plans **

The Spirit Moves is a documentary film by Mura Dehn chronicling the evolution of African American social dance throughout the 20th century. It consists of many hours of rare archival footage shot over the course of thirty years. The complete version is only available at a select few institutions. In 2008 the first three parts of Dehn's work, totaling two hours, were remastered and released on this DVD set. It's a must see for any swing enthusiast.

Part 2: Savoy Ballroom of Harlem, 1950s features footage of dancing by the general public, though the personalities of Al Minns and Leon James also make an appearance. Dances shown include Bebop, Lindy, Shim Sham, Charleston, and an aerial Lindy contest for the Harvest Moon Ball Championships. A seminal appreciation of the evolution of African-American dance in urban America.