Al and Leon's Shim Sham

More info:
dancehistory.org

[@zoeesl]

Looking at these videos goes to show that there is nothing new under the sun. They were so smooth, and uniform even though they weren't exactly the same...

[@2dasimmons]

Wow! Gotta love the cool ease of these men's dancing! Very sharp.

[@dggd]

Knew Al well...helped me with my swing when I was learning back in the Mama Lu Days and later with the Norma Miller Dancers. Al was in our Village Gate show with Norma and Lindyhop buddies Frankie and Billy from their film days. They tore that stage up dancing with Norma! Miss him...

[@7roach]

Thanks so much for commenting! Are you teaching these days?? Would love to hear more stories and learn as much as possible.

[@andidance]

Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@SnowbordrWRX]

wow...I wish I could have met him! Still an honor to post a reply to his son...

[@ForrestOutman]

The original was NOT choreographed by Frankie Manning, the version he taught was a simplified version used by non-tappers. The original was choreographed by Leonard Reed and partner Willie Bryant in 1927 to the classic tune "Turkey in the Straw." You can actually get an instructional DVD featuring Mr. Reed via Rusty Frank .com

[@J2-Production]

anyone who knows house dancing should see the similarities. awesome.

[@Topolino706]

You have to love the Shim Sham..:)

[@7roach]

Leon James. Love the hands and stops.

[@shelleyisntreal]

Lolol!!! This is amazing!!

[@7roach]

Great question!! You'd think that if we spliced all these clips together, we'd come close. I wonder if twobarbreak has it though...

[@mtown78]

the one on the right is understated but says a lot more to me.

[@butterfliesinsidemj]

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing... WOW!

[@AllGrowing]

fantastic!

[@ARMYMan92]

Al & Leon go in!

[@59cadcoupe]

Now that puts a smile on my face :))

[@PeakyBlinder]

you can stick ur gagsta rap and pop music, this is the future ............

[@RaechelleJ]

lovvvvvve it wish i knew how

[@ejdarly4733]

I love them!!

[@PockASqueeno]

I've never heard the push called the "triple bounce."

[@robinceuleers]

Carlton and Will smith 🤣

[@lindyhopper65]

Yep

[@LindyCompound]

This is awesome! Is there anywhere one can find this entire film?

[@DarrylGlen]

@cstepdanca4 Yup! There's a few versions. The original was choreographed by Frankie Manning, and is very commonly taught as it is the simplest. The Al & Leon Shim Sham and the Dean Collins Shim Sham are more advanced variations that are regularly performed as well. :)

[@mstoltz25]

originally it was created as a tap dance by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant, then adapted by Lindy Hoppers like Frankie :)

[@rafael709]

they are gods.

[@blakesby]

I don't know. It certainly sounds like it, but I don't think it is. I'd be really keen to get this specific version though, if it is.

[@MarioNotLuigi]

WHOA! Your 20 now! I'm fifteen! Someone plz reply 5 Years from now thx

[@sevenstringsamurai]

Ringringringring Has been 5 years dude..

[@Hanssonnilspetter]

👍

[@PockASqueeno]

What version of "I Got Rhythm" is playing?

[@7roach]

A band is playing live on set. The "Tranky Doo" video might list the musician's names.

[@barlin07]

I can't take my eyes off the one on the left.

[@marcmomus]

It's you. I have sound on this.

[@wontsitdown]

haha, well...I'm 134 and my grandkids invented this stuff.

[@thomcat2415]

swag

[@SeanMcGibbon]

I love this stuff... and I'm a fetus...

[@annickabv38]

QUI CONNAIT SURTOUT LA BONNE VERSION, car le titre c'est bien I'GOT RHYTHM de GERSHWIN...

[@SeanMcGibbon]

@PsychoHellKat hahah well, I'm a fetus and I love all this stuff...

[@f22raptor2723]

are they playing gershwin's "i got rhythm"?

[@thekingofpopj]

Is that sammy davis jr daddy

[@7roach]

Al Minns =)

[@MarioNotLuigi]

@PsychoHellKat Now he is 20. Do you still love this stuff?

[@GirishJ]

is it me or is there no audio?

[@annickabv38]

QUI CONNAIT LE TITRE DU MORCEAU ?

[@PerfectingPeter]

COUGAR!