California Routine

California routine
This routine and versions of it were first created and used by Whitey's Lindy Hoppers when they traveled west to perform in film productions such as Hot Chocolate and Hellzapoppin.
Frankie Manning often talked about "traveling west" or "California" when he remembered gigs on the big screen so probably this is how the name came about. Traditionally this routine is used as a synchronized routine but it can also be used individually.
As performers ourselves, we do understand that many versions are needed not only to fit the structure of the music but also combinations of dancers in each team, size of stage etc.
This particular version, is what we say traditional, but does include a more old school version of what we call the Tango. Esther Washington & Leon James use this version in the film Spirit Moves which also this film production is very much inspired from. As a treat and extra, air steps can be seen filmed in slow motion as the second part in this little video.
Dancers: Mimmi Gunnarsson Sakarias Larsson
Music: Harlem Heat - Orchester Arne Hülphers
(We do not own the rights to use this music. We share this video with the intention to share jazz dance history)
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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DANCERS:
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: [e-mail]
Web: harlemhotshots