Hellzapoppin' in full color | Colorized with DeOldify

[@eugenewilson3034]

My wife’s Grandmother is one of the women dancing in this video ( one of the maids). Today’s is my wife’s birthday!!! And this just popped up on my KZbin feed out of nowhere! She has the video but NEVER saw it color. This is an amazing gift to see her cry out of Joy! This actually is the first and probably the last time I will post a comment on KZbin.

[@blackpepperswing]

Oh my, that's wonderful, thanks for sharing!

[@pachy444]

Brilliant to be descended from such talent 👍 Happy (late) Birthday 🎂

[@kaleahcollins4567]

TELL HER I SAY HAPPY MAREVLOUS BDAY TODAY IS MY NEPHEWS BDAY TOO HES 4 BUT LOVED WHEN I WOULD PLAY THIS PART AND WE WOULD DANCE AND I WOULD SWING HIM AROUND AND AAAAAWAAAAY WE GO.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Anna that I say thank you all the way from New York because when my daughter had to study swing dancing I pulled that up and I showed her how to really swing dance not that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers stuff not that Lindsey step stuff that these white kids is doing now and I mean she killed it when time came for her to do her swing dance . I was so proud and Ya nana wouldve been too

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Which one the names is at the end. I hope its Ms. Anna i love her

[@kirklandcole3808]

Olympians: "we're the best athletes in the world." Lindy Hoppers: "hold my beer..."

[@CandyCrawford]

You're absolutely right! I've always said the men AND the women were Olympic quality athletes in this classic scene! What's really amazing is that this was done in one take! The movie company didn't want to waste time doing several versions. Fred Astaire could never do such a complicated, demanding dance routine in one take. Also, there was no professional choreographer to create the dance steps for them. These folks made up their routine on the fly. They were street dancers from Harlem who loved jazz music and the Lindy Hop with an exuberant passion! It would be interesting to learn how much the dancers were paid for their film performance. But it would only piss me off! Trust me, I'm sure these performers are due some reparations from the movie company. It's not just the complicated, physically demanding, creative routine they performed. It's their sheer joy and exuberance that lifts my soul. That expression of passion in the cinema is so very authentic. When I get down or depressed, I watch this explosion of energy and pure passionate enthusiasm. It makes me thankful to be alive. I appreciate the wonderful colorization process that was done to this classic clip.

[@JacquelineSoulchick]

hahahahahahha yeeesssss

[@franckfredericks1384]

@@CandyCrawford CQFD. Merci !

[@JiveDadson]

That's not Lindy Hoppage; it's Jitter Buggery.

[@donl1846]

Lindy Hoppers were amazing. Instead of "hold my beer" it should read "hold my beer truck" !!

[@africarib]

The amount of trust in a dance partner needed to do this is just unbelievable!!!

[@princetbug]

very

[@ratadream3855]

You need strong legs and a resistant heart to try this dance

[@Tomlinsky]

Living in a time when people generally trusted each other more than in our modern 'culture' helps I imagine.

[@designerhell]

"Alright, now. Im gonna to be really roughin ya up on this number, so dont get mad at me!"

[@africarib]

@@Tomlinsky dance trust is different from human decency trust. I need to know you are strong enough to throw and catch me. The height they get on these and the speed. One miscue and things can end very badly. Not just gonna let any ol body do that.

[@borderlands6606]

This sequence and the Nicholas Brothers routine in Stormy Weather, are the most physical dance performances committed to film.

[@larrytan73]

classic!

[@suemich2319]

Agreed 100%. The sheer abandon and joy. I smile through the entire video.

[@Barmargroup]

I've never seen anything better in my 62 years of living!

[@marcballion6136]

If you wanted to recreate it today you'd have to use animation. There is no human being capable of this today. Extraordinary talent & skill. Amazing.

[@domc2909]

That moment when you realize your grandparents are much cooler than you are.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Did you think they were the same age? Everyone in the world is not the same age.

[@CBLOVE2856]

not grandparents actually, blacks Films like this were rare I think

[@stevehtml5490]

An a daymn shot TOUGHER !

[@veronicamascaro3041]

Indeed!!!!

[@MangetsuSAMURAI]

I can say for a fact that in his youth my grandfather was miles smoother than I have ever been. I aspire to make up for it one day.

[@magesentron]

You almost want to think this footage is sped up until you see that little piece of fabric float to the ground and you get that moment of realization that this is truly a performance to remember. We need more musicals with big dance numbers. It would really cheer audiences up.

[@bruzote]

People are too sucked into the empty promises of pitiably untalented one-minute videos on TikTok.

[@ennuisolar]

@@bruzote idk why people always blame stuff on tiktok, those dances are just for fun and quick entertainment, actual dancing is still regularly done by people who put time and dedication into it

[@ms.annthrope415]

Musicals have a very limited range of success. Most musicals fail. I for one think musicals are psychotic. Unless people are suffering from a serious psychosis, they don't hear music come from nowhere and start dancing for no reason. The years of big musical numbers died with the Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. The days of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney throwing the biggest show in their small dust bowl town in Kansas is are fortunately gone and best left forgotten. But these folks are dancing in insane amounts of energy and acrobatics.

[@therealzilch]

@@ms.annthrope415 I disagree about musicals being psychotic. They are merely fantastic, and we humans can allow ouirselves fantasy, in my humble opinion. But I agree about the folks here dancing with insane amounts of energy and acrobatics. cheers from cloudy Vienna, Scott

[@lawrencewood289]

@@ms.annthrope415 Um you have heard of a little musical film called Cabaret, right? How about All That Jazz? or then getting more recent Chicago. Ot the revival of West Side Story (I do prefer original work) The musical does not dominate like it did but it has an amazing place NOT just in history but today as well.

[@-KillaWatt-]

2:55 her hat comes off and without missing a beat while landing a flip she catches it and basically adds it to her sequence and makes it look natural. Incredible.

[@SleepingMonkey29]

And her partner almost slips on it!! wow

[@ManifestingADream]

thats crazy i didnt notice that, good eye

[@KevinBrown-rk4im]

@@SleepingMonkey29 While trying to flip his partner

[@f87115]

Amazing ,, I watch kids today dance ,,, just not a lot to it ,,,

[@WhiteDeniel]

I was being amazed by the same thing. Was wondering whether this what someone "scripted" or not (2021 sceptical thinking), but I guess it is just good old fashioned proffesionalism.

[@AdrianneCottingham]

This was done in real time, no sped up camera tricks. These kids went HARD!

[@VintageVegans]

Not kids

[@culturabuzios3000]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@scottlarson1548]

And it took two weeks to shoot.

[@VladTepes-SaviorofEurope-mw4uy]

Back when people had CLASS

[@scottlarson1548]

@@VladTepes-SaviorofEurope-mw4uy And were openly racist.

[@zor2334]

The athleticism in this dance sequence is OFF THE CHAIN!

[@michaelr3583]

And the energy

[@apoclypse]

The speed is off the chain. They are moving fast look at the ladies hair bonnets flying off.

[@AeroGold1]

Some of those flips looked friggin scary. My back/neck tensed watching some of the throws.

[@KazumiSarahy]

@@AeroGold1 ppl were built different.

[@eightiesinsane]

Yes the rest of the movie is plain and dull in comparison.

[@LORDNAG1]

I hear this was done in one take. The strength and stamina is something else.

[@EJP286CRSKW]

Nestor Gonzalez It wasn't. There are cuts everywhere.

[@xander4043]

@@EJP286CRSKW I mean those could be different camera angles, but it sounds too good to be true. That would be extremely difficult.

[@EJP286CRSKW]

Xander Extremely difficult, and never done in Hollywood. It would be cheaper to shoot multiple takes, and the suggestion was originally that it was all done in one take for economy reasons, so it doesn't make sense. Similarly, the music would have been prerecorded.

[@xander4043]

@@EJP286CRSKW yeah you’re right it would be too difficult.

[@AEO21Productions]

Dont doubt one take... after one take .. after one take!! Dancers do this *and more* when on stage and for shows.. they practice hours and hours a week to do exactly this!! It is their job, and it is their passion.. and the folks in this video put on a show of a lifetime.. forever to be remembered for their passion and ability, long live the dancers :)

[@johnchoat357]

I couldn't care less how many takes this number took; just the tempo, the timing, the precision AND the stamina is waaaaaay off the charts........unbelievably fantastic!

[@jeffhagerman2905]

I'm going to guess that it took two takes to shoot this because the maid didn't catch her hat in the first one. Incredible talent!! So much fun!!

[@MarkusChamber]

@@jeffhagerman2905 Yeah, Frankie mentioned, that it took multiple shots because they had to move the camera

[@jeffhagerman2905]

@@MarkusChamber But not because the dancers screwed up. 🙃

[@christaylor2529]

AND FUN!

[@Tjpeter7]

Jazz has no timing no perfection, is just love and interpretation

[@grimble4564]

I love how there are moments in this that blur the line between dance and just extremely controlled martial arts lol

[@massdisruption3437]

You are laughing and the irony is black cultural dances hide martial arts in them. You have eyes to see what few people can’t.

[@cloudnegativenine]

@@massdisruption3437just said this in my head. He just unlocked the code

[@dogshake]

@@massdisruption3437 people have always fought, and people have always danced. Not surprising that both have inspired parts of the other.

[@massdisruption3437]

@@dogshake ok no disrespect but what is your point.

[@nerdsforfreedom2794]

Dance and hand-to-hand fighting have much in common!

[@irreliventable]

Two things. That man is having more fun playing the drums than I've had on christmas and that swing dance has the best pro wrestling I've seen since the attitude era.

[@Noway673]

To me it looked like a human carnival mixed with a little gymnastics.

[@kerch-e]

@@Noway673 yeah, pro wrestling.

[@aclark903]

Maybe you should ask #Santa for a drum kit? 🤔

[@albireotheredguard1599]

That one guy was doing Hurricane Kicks, he would have made Ryu proud!

[@del3681]

You win the internet, lol.

[@blackfloyd8069]

When the first pair of swing dancers start (2:50) , you can see the womans hair tie falling out... She lands a flip and it goes into the air, she flawlessly catches it, shortly uses it as a prop for her dance then tosses it. Amazing improvisation and reflexes.

[@saggiteightyfour8367]

If the tie didn't fall, I would think this was was sped up to 1.5 speed

[@gildedpeahen876]

He throws his hat after too, like yup, this is just getting in the way! The way she seamlessly integrated it…that’s a TRUE performer!

[@julesjules7097]

wow you right, I cut tell you how many times I have watched this on video and notice the material fly out of the scene but never realised she actually did all that till now.. 👏👏👏👏👏👈

[@lullaby218]

Man..their culture really took a nose dive after the 60s.This was peak awesomeness.

[@justify798]

​@@lullaby218Yes, their culture did take a dive into the sea of even more greatness. 😊 Jealousy isn't a good look for you, btw.

[@dixie4470]

The gentleman playing the double bass is Slam Stewart. He passed away in 1987. We had the rare privilege of having him come to our high school a few times and speak about his experiences, and, also play for us. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, RIP.

[@homeemail7021]

Loved the bow work.

[@cashmerefunk2136]

Rip slam nice work sir..

[@subrennaevans6504]

Yes, when I saw him I was in love. My late husband was a bass player and he played the trombone I'm glad that you had the chance to meet him. R.I.P peace to Slam and my late husband R.C. EVANS 😌😌😌

[@kooale]

Tell us more!

[@StormchaserJockMcGinty]

Yes, he was the other half in Slim and Slam, Slim being Slim Gaillard, the pianist and guitar player in this scene. They performed together for several years.

[@melindawallin3713]

Hellzapoppin was one of my favorite movies as a rchild and this clip reminds me why. I watched so many musicals I thought it was normal for people to spontaneously break out in song and dance . I am still singing and dancing and highly reccommend it.

[@GoDancehappy]

Right with ya on that.

[@palmsky1119]

Every single amount of energy I've used in my whole life doesn't even amount to 1/3 of what they spent on that dancing scene. Like, seriously that was insane.

[@rayadams8915]

I am absolutely mesmerised left breathless by the sheer talent and energy of this group! I've lost track of the number of laws of physics that have either been broken or rewritten by these dance masters. Meanwhile, Sir Isaac Newton is somewhere scratching his head saying "Y'know, I was so sure I had the law of gravity all worked out".

[@dsvet]

This is good but only one dance routine to top them all Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnceHqqi7Clepo

[@amuroray9115]

They must have practiced for Hours and hours to be this good

[@amuroray9115]

@Yihi Tooj did you see the Nicholas Brothers?

[@kardon4996]

Nice 👍 comment ! Agree !

[@TheJellyCentral]

@Director HFerreira What the hell did I just read? 😭 you need to cut down on the sugar!!!

[@cindyhorst8316]

Unbelievable talent. Those women were fearless being thrown around. I've never seen anyone dance so fast!!!

[@IDONTLIKETHATSHIT]

You saw fearless, I saw trust.

[@crnkmnky]

@@m.dewylde5287 💀

[@GoldenLight22]

Me too!! The speed???

[@IDONTLIKETHATSHIT]

@@m.dewylde5287 I guess what we see is an interpretation of ourselves.

[@mslynda2u]

I wonder what the tryouts were like🧐 fearless!

[@pegclairezach]

They look like they are enjoying the hell outta this! all smiles... What a time that was!

[@kevintucker3354]

I love how he hits the ivories with the back of his fingers. Just because...

[@95TurboSol]

Probably because he knows the piano like the back of his hand

[@Qrama]

@@95TurboSol perfect.

[@kaylahall1219]

Slim gaillard, and slam. Slim and slam. AMAZING

[@catherineforde6851]

@@kaylahall1219 I remember slim n slam with huge affection

[@Annaxandros]

Slim "Boulee" Gaillard.. Legendary. Hands like Hendrix!! Referenced in Kerouac's "On The Road" and the composer of the original "Tutti Frutti". Love.

[@dee_dee_place]

Even today it amazes me how people can dance that fast, & the gymnastics/athleticism of those moves are outstanding. It always brings a smile to my face watching dance sequences like this. Thanks for naming all the fabulous musicians & the instruments they played as well as all of the dancers. Well done, everyone, well done.

[@neilfranklin5644]

When the music is that good it really moves you.

[@oscarherrera5440]

I dig it baby

[@getthegoods420]

at 2:54 this womans hair brade falls off her head and she caught it. completely impromptu, totally adlib and with zero preparation. the woman was not only a good dancer but she had fast reflexes. beautiful dancing

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

Ever see breakdancing ?

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

@@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists sorry, this beats the dog snot out of breakin'. There are so many more variations, especially with two people.

[@Wolfinger1935]

Some of these dancers made a resurgence in the 1980s and 90s when the Swing craze came back into fashion. Frankie Manning was a legend. I met him a few times in the 2000s. He was in his 90s and still out there dancing up a storm with the ladies. He wasn't tossing them around like in this video😄but he still had moves. This clip may be the best exhibition of authentic Swing Dance/Lindy Hopping ever committed to film.

[@bruzote]

I remember taking a few guest lessons from Frankie. We were all hoping the magic and glory would rub off on us. He still had that lean-forward style. To heck with all of the stuffy upright and rigid dancers from the ballroom dance rule-making societies! Last I saw him was in Montclair (about a year before he passed?) - still on his feet! :-)

[@cartergomez5390]

I was born in 1980!

[@armonrakhman3791]

I love my culture! Just to get to see the dances my grandparents did!

[@blast4me754]

@@armonrakhman3791 My grandparets generation also. I miss that generation and now I wish I would've had better conversations with them back in the 90's when I was a kid.

[@shorty332]

@@blast4me754 that's something we all say and wish we could go back and do cause we are so fascinated to hear what it was like in those days. I always say yeah you had the great depression and WWII but people seemed happy

[@melbunnyy]

This might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen ever

[@leus]

One: Kids these days are wild, they party like savages. Granny: Hold my teeth.

[@christinalikoski4937]

That was so funny Spot on lol Australia 💕 Christina

[@oabilemmatli4150]

"one" 😂😂😂😂

[@edejan]

Hahahaa...!

[@Mr_Smith_]

Норм !!!))))

[@funkrocker8011]

🤣

[@chrissonofruths3583]

I am black ...so Regardless of 2020 ...and all those Ashamed of the past ...Not me ...this fills me with so much pride!! And i am grateful for these great black people.

[@christinalikoski4937]

You are so fkn right and I'm white Your the first I have heard of being Proud along with Muhammad Ali CASSIUS CLAY Australia 💕 Christina

[@joannabrawley2961]

@@christinalikoski4937 Absolutely! These people performing parents and grandparents were just in shekels. Slavery had only ended 76 years before this was filmed. Look at the age of the performers. When you hear someone say "I made something out of nothing" or "I came from the bottom to the top" These people not only did these things but did them while dealing with lynching's, segregation, being made fun of in the form of minstrel shows and much much more. Resilience, talent, mental and physical strength, intelligence and much much more is what they are made of. Anyone should be proud to be a descendant of humans such as these.

[@edejan]

And your job is to make sure no one you know forgets this history, this humanity and this talent.

[@ThePrevis2001]

Include me in I am also proud to see this talent which occurred far before I was born.

[@zack4258]

I am white ...so I have to say ...this was the best performance I've ever seen in my live ❤️🤷‍♂️

[@SusanLBlish]

I remember watching this on Saturday Afternoon at the movies when I was a girl. My mom told me that "The black folks never got their due". I just wanted to be one of the dancers and did not understand what she meant until I was older. They style, class and tempo of these actors far surpasses anything found today. I wish I could personally thank them.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Watching, thumbs up and sharing this video is thanking them!

[@joeymcfloey2467]

I agree, they called it the jitterbug and the jive - nope Lindy hop from HARLEM

[@slimchica1]

Wow I so love your comment!!!

[@subrennaevans6504]

Well let me thank you for your kind words and acknowledgement of our people and the gifts and talents of our ancestors.

[@afro1327]

You just did, my dear 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@katjaamyx2922]

The sheer velocity of these dance moves is incredible. What an amazing room full of talent!

[@charlesbalter3470]

This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. It’s like crazy swing dancing meets pro wrestling. I wanted to give it a standing ovation. Wow!

[@9094mtz]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@slimchica1]

I agree wow

[@catg8383]

Pro wrestling??? Bahahahahaha!!!😹👍🏽

[@jimjam8949]

😂😂 agree! I've done a MUCH inferior version of what they're doing . It's called Lindy Hop. 😊

[@pippishawtstockins2413]

😄

[@rawbylaw4717]

We were so blessed to met and danced with Frankie Manning (dancer in the overall jeans and the scene's choreographer). I'm crying reading all these comments how much people are loving watching this and how his joy and genius continues on. Peace!

[@aneily]

I was looking in the comments for anything about the guy in the overall jeans, his was the best dance break, just amazing throws and timing

[@kilis3804]

♥

[@dsvet]

This is good but only one dance routine to top them all Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnceHqqi7Clepo

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Michael Jackson: I can walk backwards while wearing one glove. Lindy Hoppers: Hold my hooch.

[@geraldstephens6612]

Actually a lot of singer & dancers now can still learn a lot from these people.

[@angelworlds9588]

Know you right.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

Michael learned from the best. He respected them. And that showed in his incredible work.

[@emncaity]

best freaking post i've seen in six months

[@mjssupport1825]

Lol

[@nickprohoroff3720]

Surely the most outrageous, pumpin', dancin', stompin' extravaganza of a musical moment ever.

[@safenafe1]

The moment a KZbin clip brings a Cheshire Cat smile to your face. Feeling this long forgotten energy

[@foreverfalcon8117]

The sheer speed in which they are dancing is incredible.

[@anonymously_me1803]

Right!

[@yee3771]

I’m gonna slow it down and really check it out!

[@Ethan2Tone]

I mean ye they are super fast, but in those days they'd also speed that mutha up.

[@mariezakos1205]

Fantastic time in america!!

[@hainleysimpson1507]

Only if you were white. Everyone else was marginalized and discriminated against especially immigrants and black people.

[@Barbarian857]

So many textures! The musicians coming in one by one. The dude in the beginning, two instruments, and tap dancing with the others. The one musician basically rapping. Then. The dancers! And that one guy on the sideline, moving in toward the two dancers then gliding back in rhythm with them. This was off the chain! One of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

[@roseoreillysievers6057]

Amazing

[@moonlightfitz]

Indeed.

[@AlistairKiwi]

Probably the best dance sequence ever. I was also in classes taught by 2 or 3 of them in Lindy back in the early '90s. They were stars & such a privilege to know.

[@Cosmic_Ray_]

You know, I never knew how violent dancing from this time period could be until now. The flipping, throwing, sliding, and literal but kicking. Purely amazing and something I wish we could see more of today.

[@3713msg]

It would be great to see today, but what young person would be in physical shape to perform this sort of dance? Not many, if any.

[@ms.annthrope415]

The jitterbug. Just KZbin this dance. It was absolutely acrobatics with music. But of course this was choreographed so you didn't catch a foot in your face or snap your neck but it's so physical it would kill most people today.

[@keepinitkawaii]

Its more passion than "violent". Its pure fun and joy

[@missiamtwinkles0169]

@@3713msg what are you talking about? There’s dancers of all shapes and sizes

[@aaronochoa4717]

@@missiamtwinkles0169 Sure but I don't think you going to see 300 lb'ers tryin these moves

[@k.j.g.9601]

The pure strength and agility is insane, especially by the women.

[@filthyapostate4217]

My choir director said once "Ginger did everything Fred did, but backwards and in heels"

[@RealNewDK]

It's amazing. I can't say I've seen something like it in recent times.

[@CoachHayes100]

That's how WE got down!!!?

[@armadillotoe]

No fragile snowflakes were harmed in the making of that video. Those were real men, and real women demonstrating really amazing talent, and strength.

[@davidwolbeck785]

It's pretty ridiculous to try to make a distinction between men and women and their dancing abilities in response to this outstanding song AND dance video, it's cocomami bullshit, end of story, that's it.

[@LabyrinthLied]

Some say they're the best dancers of their time/genre, but I don't know, it seems to me that they're the best dancers of the entire universe always and forever.

[@candyc.3163]

One of the most fabulous dance scenes in a movie ever!

[@kRod200]

Man I wish people loved jazz today like people did back, Jazz is not just “old people music”.

[@minoassal]

Electro swing seems to be making a return, just slowely

[@MicheleBohmke]

I love Jazz. ❤

[@kerrybunny]

My son loves playing jazz. He is 17

[@StephBer1]

It's there. Just smaller. I love jazz and my husband hates it. Growing up, we introduced our kids to all our music types. One daughter fell in love with jazz and searches out new talent all the time, as well as listening to the oldies. I'm so proud of her.

[@inklingsofgod]

It's not dead my son loves Jazz loves swing used to be part of the swing dance group

[@tyeshab2010]

This how imma be in the club when this quarantine is over... pray for my legs though

[@coltonberry4127]

Should be well rested by the end of the ol quarantine haha

[@yve6177]

See that would be me, but I got trust issues.

[@2sassy324you]

I will

[@karenhill3970]

Me TOO....!! Cant wait

[@RoseAngella]

😁

[@Jodybaker]

This is the greatest dance sequence in the history of the cinema.

[@castroleiro]

This and the Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6Cwk5h6naxsnLc

[@Righteousone18]

@@castroleiro damn you beat me to it haha

[@tisseflekk]

I'm only 22 years old, but I really appreciate the 30-60's eras. I've loved these eras since I was a kid. Both the music, the fashion and the aesthetics. Incredibly fun to watch this colorized!

[@cestall1]

Makes Dancing with the Stars look even lamer than it already is.

[@louisb5563]

Ain't THAT the truth!

[@tammygreen8962]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@k.j.g.9601]

Just stay away from any unscripted television shows, it brought us the last 4 years....

[@justintimemagddelow672]

🎯

[@mimyegrei9760]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dre10dancer]

I took dance lessons from Frankie Manning, the fellow in the overalls. He won a Tony for choreography in the 1990's after working for years at the port office, I think.

[@slimchica1]

Wow that’s amazing!!!!

[@kaylahall1219]

I got learn from and dance with him in a special workshop put in by my University swing club. It was amazing. The modern stuff just isn't as good. Too sterile.

[@yogibearstie]

Frankie Manning lived into his 90s teaching dance. Much applause 👏🏻

[@christinalikoski4937]

Wow that's cool Australia 💕 Christina

[@nessparadis6948]

@@kaylahall1219 , it’s not the modern stuff. Unfortunately, it’s the version that was adopted by white culture.

[@HoovyTube]

This is the best thing I have seen.

[@osa8845]

YOOO, WHY YOU HERE LOL

[@Panthercholo]

Fully agree!!!

[@adil.chouqui]

I desagree.

[@jacqueslerocques]

Me too

[@Cristi4nMax]

How old r u? 🤔

[@GnLguy]

Just came across this. Totally blown away with the musicians and dancers. The black community has laid such a foundation in popular music and yet so underappreciated

[@SlickArmor]

It's no wonder with the way they act now.

[@markschattefor6997]

@@SlickArmor You hit the nail on the head with a mega force. They could even play instruments, knew how to wear pants, and had class/style. The good old days, before they were told that they are eternal victims.

[@lexdraws1729]

@@SlickArmorevery single black person does not act the same way but nice racism

[@lexdraws1729]

@@markschattefor6997a lot of black people now also know how to play instruments, wear pants and have class and style lmao. Stop being racist.

[@lexdraws1729]

@@SlickArmorthe black community is under appreciated because of racist like you.

[@henryeverhart-martinez5879]

My dad stated his career playing the drums in LA. In the 40s. He was a life member of Local 47 in Hollywood. Growing up not realizing that the people he worked with were famous. Black excellence is our history. Great channel thx 🙏🏼

[@ya.thegoat8795]

Was LA African American densely populated? If so, did that make it a safe place for niggas to live, cus my grandfather lived in LA an he was safe from racism

[@henryeverhart-martinez5879]

@@ya.thegoat8795 I grew up on the west side of Compton off of Central ave and Rosecrans. In those days I felt safe, musicians were different, in the 40s the white union and the union for us integrated and allowed many in the business to make money. The stronger issue was the same as it is today, most lost there publishing because of the same crooked business practices. I used to laugh at the checks my dad got, $30 a year for 40 years of studio work, as well as recording with many orchestras and troupes. I'm happy for those who have won in this game but look how long it took.

[@incisivecommenter5974]

What an incredibly talented group of people, +70 years later it still wows!

[@marielongoria6714]

Incisive Commenter: Yes, it sure does 'Wow'. Almost 80 years may have passed and they're likely all passed away by now but this single short film will keep them alive.

[@paolomacedone453]

80 years

[@KennyRider137]

"This might turn into something!" It did. Rock'n'roll and later breakdancing.

[@earthpet]

2:19 And rap.

[@beanabong2896]

@@earthpet True indeed!

[@zoneseven1222]

and don't forget Rap or Hip Hop.

[@spacelemur7955]

... which were not not improvements, just something different. IMHO.

[@NoName-gh5mq]

@@spacelemur7955 bro what 😑

[@knicknamej]

Some special award should be given to these astounding dancers. Today's generation has no idea of how insanely talented they were.

[@vipermadman]

There’s more talent in this short clip then all of Hollywood right now!

[@darrenjames7901]

That is because people loved what they did back then, Now the only thing people love is money. So the money is there but ABSOLUTELY no TALENT IN SHOW BUSINESS TODAY!

[@katiewong112]

Sad but true, the dancing looks like so much fun, and the music, pure heaven.

[@mickram23]

I don't think you should even compare these amazing people with the non talent of today.

[@vipermadman]

@@mickram23 you’re right 😂 good point!

[@justanotherti4790]

😲🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@totaldestruction-5068]

My back just went out from watching these dance moves.

[@caticornpurrmaid2049]

The strength! The athleticism! The sheer talent of it all leaves me exhausted from just looking at it.

[@erinmalone2669]

2023 and this still slaps. Talented people who never got their due when they were alive. I am glad they survived for our time

[@notmychairnotmyproblem]

My great grandmother always told stories about how my great grandfather was a local legend on the dance floor. He had a move where he'd drop a dime on the floor, do some type of twist and slide, and then pick the dime back up in one slick move. Now I can defintely better visualize what that may have looked like.

[@AFriedChicken]

I used to get out of bed like that. Then i fell out of a tree trying to rake the leaves.

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I doubt there are many modern dancers that could keep up with these cats. They are on a whole other level.

[@anyaw340]

Most dancers back then couldn't keep up with these people. They were at the top of game - just unrecognized.

[@biggtk]

You'll find that most of the dancers that can keep up with the people in this video, are the people who live in the "hood." Look up New Orleans Bounce dancing, Chicago Footwork, Baltimore Club Music dance cyphers/battles, and Jersey Club Music Dance cyphers/battles. In fact, the dancing in the video (Jive) is the root of modern dances in the Black community called "Juke."

[@gyptianskin]

False. This was a style of dance. Folks went out to the dancehalls to dance just like this..

[@deenice7155]

How in the hell did they do that? That’s amazing. This scene alone should have all the Oscars, Tony’s and Emmy’s for choreography. Damn.

[@margretabroad4873]

Absolutely.

[@jaydawg1965]

You should know the answer to that they ah well lets see the year was 1955 when this fantastic movie came out the country was Jim crow n this was the year 1955 was Emmett Till was lynched I think that should answer your question hello

[@sew_gal7340]

Nowadays it would because everything is so trash, back then standards were really high and to win an award would mean only the best of the best got one. This was back during the age of American exceptionalism, no participation awards...it was real talent.

[@xox6663]

They deserve more, fuck these award shows!!!!!!! They really had this happening and giving awards to mediocrity......Lol!!!!!

[@thesucka397]

And people are still wondering why there are kids saying "I kinda wish I lived in the 40's". I don't exactly wanna live in that time period but there have been millions of times where, at least for a few seconds, I did. As a Black American I just love the culture.

[@yogijones8527]

The talent they had back them can't be matched today pure athlete's wonderful

[@franksliwa362]

This is the most awesome jive scenes filmed! The dance originated in the black community. The athleticism of these performers is epic!!

[@Dee-cp2ck]

Its just brilliant can't stop watching it🤌🏾💪🏾

[@ReRe_22]

Yes, the dance style that is the foundation of break dancing in hip-hop that Foundational Black Americans created not Puerto Ricans.

[@joshuamclean3298]

It is not Jive! It’s Lindy Hop!

[@AdeleRafael-uc8ve]

YEEEESSSS, eeeeeeverything STARTED with YOU GUYS....😉🤣😉🤣😉🤣....🙄

[@Winter-inAmeriKKa]

​@OlgaLopez-uc8ve we are the cradle of civilization. Life would be boring without us😊

[@buddyroeginocchio9105]

Whew, just watched this for the first time, I'll need a 15 minute rest before I watch it again.

[@flyaway7636]

I thought The Wiz live had it going on. They are incredible! Dancing with the Stars couldn't keep up with these dancers. Oh my aching back.

[@LazyIRanch]

I've got bruises and a backache, just from watching this!

[@8304Hustla]

I think this is amongst the coolest things I have witness in my life, still trying to wrap my head around it

[@dsvet]

This is good but only one dance routine to top them all Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnceHqqi7Clepo

[@KatMartin-si4pl]

AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chrismitchell2782]

That jam when the drums kicked in man I was gone

[@Uniprnt]

I must have watch 20 or 30 times. And every time it amazes me how fluid the production is. Just fantastic-one of the best dance film routines ever

[@Tuilelen]

I feel like this is the best of all time, and second to this is any from the Nicholas Brothers

[@natewilson111]

Dancers: hoppin' Band: poppin' Shoulders: dislocated'

[@ElvisLivesUpstairs]

Lol

[@Folknfunk]

Lol that's me

[@missspencer7744]

Clever response. Made me laugh

[@felifae80]

Lmao!

[@Jodybaker]

Lindy hoppin'

[@Checklistignored]

Can I just point out the first woman caught her own hat!!! OMG The talent is indescribable!

[@harrygeorge3220]

Hello Angela How are you doing today?

[@TheCRX7]

I didn't even notice it was that clean!

[@OuroBenz]

And I think her partner saw the move and got rid of his hat too. Really something else.

[@Hannah-t5z]

This is just impressive. Seriously, how many people do you know in 2024 who could pull this off?

[@shirleyclemmer3299]

Only in my dreams.

[@littletree343]

Apparently dancing back then was the most intense form of cardio ever created

[@NonameWriter]

Right 😭

[@kevingamache1512]

Also a self defense class

[@StanleyPinchak]

​​@@kevingamache1512For sure it looked like wrestling class or judo.

[@egaliterrevolt]

So crazy. The most energic dance i've ever seen

[@grumblekin]

Jazz in all its forms is one of the greatest gifts that Black America has given the world. They built it, ran it then these folks made this country SWING. As a lifelong disciple of jazz, I love this stuff!

[@barbaragaona7785]

I've watched this countless times. Such energy, joy and talent. Thank you for bringing it to us.

[@91Sentinel]

That is still one the single greatest jazz dance routines ever done to this day. Original Lindy Hop at its absolute finest!

[@d.e.b.b5788]

The down side, is so many people have no idea how much rehearsing goes on between those couples, to get every step, every move, exactly right for the camera. I learned to dance, well. When women found out, they all wanted me to lead them into dancing like this. OH, it did get me a lot of dates, taking them out to the dance clubs, but they couldn't understand why it just can't be done by normal people who haven't practiced it a whole lot. A few wanted to be flipped over me like the women at 2:50 and 3:30 and more, but when I asked them how many times they had done that before, the answer was always 'Never'. People want to do things they see in movies, without ever learning how to do it.

[@thewatcher6295]

Wow, I have seen this clip a few times and each time I am just floored by the incredible talent on display. It is a shame that such talent never got the attention and recognition it truly deserved. Much respect.

[@amougouclarke8557]

One word racism

[@bruceprickett9835]

Today I heard a story on NPR about how Frankie Manning was invited to Sweden to teach swing dance and Lindy Hop at a camp there and created a tradition that continues today

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

such incredible talents we are happy to see, even 80 years later (?), the only "sad" thing is that all those amazing artists, dancers and musicians, are playing the house employees in the movie (maid, driver, cook, etc...) because it was the only roles they had at the time .....

[@dangolfishin]

I'd say they're getting amazing recognition for their skill. Its 80 years later and 4.5 million people tuned in to this clip. People can't miss a great performance like this.

[@creativecolours2022]

How is it possible to say that they didn't get the attention and recognition. Frankie Manning is a legend. Even I know him that I live on the other side of the world. That generation of dancers were and are known all around the world and only the fact that someone bothered to colourize that movie's dance scene - that I have seen only in black and white- shows how much people appreciate not only the talent of the dancers but that movie as well. Why are you always moaning about everything.

[@KerryDSC]

Music had so much class and swagger back then, actual musicians who where true entertainers.

[@robertskidmore7013]

Couldn’t agree more... these rappers and gangstas we have today havnt a teeny portion of the talent these folk have

[@rykson161]

Robert Skidmore .. I agree , what happened to all the musicians ? Al we have are Dr Dre and his Beats ! I always knew that playing an instrument was better than selecting a beat from a computer , just dumbing down society !

[@007nadineL]

Eye roll Jfc

[@rykson161]

kerryB True.. all these beat makers and nobody playing actuel instruments ! Dumbing down society !

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@rykson161 you should see what Amazon is doing to everything, its going to put every store out of commission, what is this the stay at home era? Hell I even like rap of the later 1990s, a whole lot its quite swell, but even that somehow got reverted with technology. I know there is a big strong stereotype on old folks like me looking down at technology as a sinful idea (not in word of god here I'm no religious sort) or manipulative, but isn't it true, can barely find kids outside.

[@bigp3006]

Incredible amount of talent on screen here.

[@MillermaticS]

The energy burned during this could power my small town for day!

[@NoEgg4u]

Aside from the obvious talent of the performers, on loan from the heavens... ...note that fantastic camera work. Notice that, unlike today, we did not have camera angles change every second. We were treated to a single camera angle for us to soak it all in. Then a new camera angle, and repeat. But each camera angle was maintained for a proper amount of time. Next, the cameras were not bouncing around. They were not zooming in and out. They were not shaking. There were no camera acrobatics. Rather, the acrobatics were the performers. The camera crew made the performance about the dancers, and not about themselves. The highest complement I can pay them is that they kept 100% of the attention on the performance. While enjoying the performance, no one was thinking "Look at that camera work". The camera crew just allowed us to watch as though we were there. The same is true for everyone involved in the production. There were no "post recording" gimmicks added. Between the highly talented dancers, and the rest of the crew, they pulled off a remarkable few minutes of captivating entertainment. No one makes movie recordings like this any more. A lost art.

[@paulluchter137]

You are right. Today the people behind the scenes, less talented, edit mercilessly. Injecting slow-motion, cutting this wasy amd that. They think they are geniuses as opposed to the true hacks they really are. I see this even when they show a pole vault. They are incapable of focusing, of not cutting this way amd that...

[@shaleenaf.7095]

I feel like even if someone were to have the insane amount of talent to do this today, one thing thats missing from performing is the JOY. The energy and pure joy . Performers just dont have that anymore.

[@tymothyfinger3137]

Joy is the exact same thing I was thinking. It brought tears of joy to my eyes.

[@Floyd69]

A spring of life, that very thing.

[@cattycorner8]

Shaleena F. JOY. I agree! This has talent, musicality, rhythm, athleticism to the max, but it's singular exuberance is due to the great joy of everyone involved. I thought the exact same thing you did when I watched it.

[@dsvet]

This is good but only one dance routine to top them all Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnceHqqi7Clepo

[@belfordsquare5160]

JOY!she was last seen walking away with the year 2000,their friends 2003 and 2005 joined em and off they left this planet.

[@sillywetrat]

Thats so impressive! We need to bring this back!

[@MrSupernova111]

This is easily the most mind-blowing dancing performance that I've ever seen. Its incredible who they recorded this entire session in one shot.

[@GoldenLight22]

The speed and mastery of their dancing is unbelievable

[@MangetsuSAMURAI]

I almost didn't click on this because I don't like colorized things, but Lord 'o mercy this was astounding.

[@DirtyRobot]

AI is getting real good at restoring archived footage. Do a search and you will see some fricking amazing footage bought back to life. There are a few early reels from the 1920's that have been AI restored and colorized, upscaled and converted to 60fps.

[@kimbyrd2298]

Is that grammatically correct?

[@LazyIRanch]

Same here, but in this case it improves the original. This is very sharply defined so we can see more detail, like the satin costumes. I don't seem to get tired of watching this!

[@karenhill3970]

I KNOW!!!!!!😎😎

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

@@LazyIRanch I think it is just fake to add colour, but amazing performances. Jaw dropping.

[@seedyv1]

These moves are bordering on otherworldly! Wow! The energy! Nothing touches this!

[@robjones2408]

Nearly eighty years old, yet nobody has come even remotely close to matching the Harlem Lindy Hoppers in their majestic prime. Too bad, they never made another film appearance in mainstream movies of the period. "Hellzapoppin" is a berserk masterpiece, years ahead of its' time. Great to see this iconic scene in colour.

[@sergant2406]

ответь хоть на мове !!!

[@DavidAllen-dj7sd]

that's because you only see mostly white dancers doing swing dances and calling it Lindy hop.

[@realsteviem]

Whitey's Lindy Hoppers also appeared in a 'Soundie' with the Duke - Cotton Tail (Hot Chocolate). Brilliant. I wish I had half the talent those kids had!

[@hepcat-bob]

@@realsteviem, with the exception of Frankie Manning, they were also in The Marx Brothers movie 'A Day At The Races'.

[@gplus46]

It was too much

[@itoldyoumusic]

They dance so fast that the editors couldn't even technicolor the all the scenes! The black and white keeps coming through. Just incredible talent by everyone in this scene. My favorite thing though is how it starts off so nonchalant. like oh, what this instrument? Then BAM! So Amazing.

[@avienated]

I agree with you. There are no editors colouring though, just an AI ;)

[@tommydan55]

@@avienated Yep, just a bad colorizing program.

[@TheBainofmaliki]

Holy hell, that was a truly impressive display of rhythm, coordination, choreography and raw athletic capability! I have barely seen its equal.

[@aaaab384]

its*

[@TheBainofmaliki]

@@aaaab384 There I fixed it, you fucking happy now? 😍

[@aaaab384]

@@TheBainofmaliki no, but you did a good thing nonetheless.

[@donmilland7606]

First time seeing Slam Stewart. I immediately recognized his playing

[@philipyang9593]

he is literally doing a judo (seoi nage) move on the girl at 4:21 I had no idea you could do that in a dance routine! mad respect!

[@ariconsul]

That moment when you realize the the overlap between dance and martial arts is much larger than you previously thought.

[@rubyreduxx]

At like top speed as well lmaoo

[@MesGuided]

🤯🤯

[@dreadtofro]

Insane! The one girl danced right out of her ribbon AND caught in mid air without missing a step! I got tired just watching them go, man , go!

[@flaviafaria1010]

It’s so hard to imagine that all of these beautiful people have either passed away or are elderly 😞. What a great show ❤️

[@slimchica1]

IKR

[@ya.thegoat8795]

It's not hard, they were probably born in 1900-1916, so they lived their lives to the full

[@pantherasad2114]

@@ya.thegoat8795 lives well lived and you need to get one.

[@wesleylopes1254]

Brasileiro que curte um bom jazz e outro nível 😉

[@kaylahall1219]

I got to dance with Frankie Manning before he died. It was amazing. He was amazing.

[@lolasavala3135]

These dancers are LEGENDS, these are the most happiest days! God bless these talented dancers 🙏

[@channah64]

Thank you SO much for naming the artists at the end. In a time where black and POC artists often don't get credit for what they create, it means a lot to see those names!

[@associationartsaupluriaile8466]

Absolutely right !!!!!! Thanks for crediting these incredible artists

[@johncarey8485]

They didn’t credit the musicians: Slim Gaillard on piano and guitar and Slam Stewart on bass

[@angryyordle4640]

@@johncarey8485 so you‘re saying they‘re called Slim and Slam? That is pretty funny.

[@kijekuyo9494]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@garyd3873]

@@angryyordle4640 They were very famous in their day and produced several albums as Slim and Slam, which are still available to this day. They have a delightful sense of musical humour which only starts to come though in this clip.

[@cbs2don]

I am glad credits were included at the end of the clip. Their talents need to be recognized.

[@WakandaBabe]

Notice a very cleverly disguised 'spotting' at 4:05. Just in case she fell. Absolutely amazing dancing.

[@unclenogbad1509]

Thanks for crediting all the names at the end - these fabulous performers need to be remembered and celebrated. NB, I saw Slim Gaillard (piano, guitar, vocals) in the 1980's when he had a bit of a renaissance in the UK (he'd kind of settled here to retire, sort of). An old man by then, but he could definitely, positively still swing, jive and VOUT like a demon, and went down like a house on fire to a roomful of youngsters in the Hammersmith Astoria.

[@markcarlson7824]

Unreal athletics. It seems to be a perfect example of controlled chaos as an art form. Rogan sent me.

[@blackpepperswing]

That's well said!

[@markcarlson7824]

@@blackpepperswing Thank you.

[@jamesogletree5257]

I wonder how many broken necks resulted from trying to perfect these dance routines? This was a perfect case of dance vs gymnastics and they both won. (lol).

[@Hollowsmith]

With all due respect to the Jubalaire's "Noah", which was from 1943, the first rap I've ever seen occurs at 2:18 in this video, which was made in 1941...and it's a TRUE rap...no supporting melody....just drums and rap. This is the earliest footage known to exist of rapping, and yet nobody seems to be drawing attention to it as a rap artifact.

[@paulluchter137]

1937: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2bShGCFe7KBrdU

[@fracturedsolace145]

You are wrong there is a clear example of rap from 1923 called Jive Man Blues

[@keithnorris8982]

Somewhere on YouTTube there is an interview of one of the lady dancers who in a nursing home in her last days. What a treat!