Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene in "Malcolm X" 1992

[@Penrose-wi6tx]

Denzel and Spike Lee should have won an Oscar

[@larrywilcox5282]

I truly believed that Spike and Denzel would win Oscars hands down...I so disappointed when this did not happen!

[@danielbirdhead1239]

💯💯

[@ynot2847]

This movie were over budget and also it almost never made it to the big screens without the help of alledged MAGIC Johnson and Oprah Winfrey and others who supported Spikes Movie to ultimately makr the movie theaters that sold tickets for another movie, but allowed movie goers to watch Malcolm X instead.. It only hurt Spikes actual sells as people were in long lines to watch and enjoy watching as Spike and Denzel never received full credit for the successful viewers accurate accounting of watching this movie in those time's, but instead when Malcolm X teachings were still a threat to powers that be, but Yes! Denzel should have received countless Oscar's from his star caliber performances in Ricochet onto Man on 🔥 Fire!😮‍💨

[@morrisparrish76]

Many things should have happened in this country but don’t!

[@imperallady]

absolutely ❤❤❤

[@RETROGEMS]

My maternal grandparents (African-American and lived in Harlem in the 1940s) used to jitterbug, perhaps at clubs like this one. My mom would tell me stories of how years later, long after the swing dance craze, they'd remember their jitterbugging days in the city, getting up occasionally to dance! Wish I could've asked them more about their old days in Harlem. I've only been there once many many decades after its heyday. It must've been a beautiful place to be in many respects; a haven. One of the reasons why I love scenes like these in Spike Lee's "Malcolm X". For a moment, I feel like I'm peeking back into my grandparents' time and seeing the kind of fun they had!

[@luckigrl]

This looks so fun. I always wanna get up and dance when I see this scene. I'm assuming blacks had different days to dance than whites and they weren't allowed to dance on the same floor im sure😐

[@lindagurrera685]

I wish I could have seen cab calaway in the 30s

[@musiqtube1]

This is the best swing dance scene portrayed in a movie ever. Can't get no better. I just can't imagine Malcolm X dancing to it tho. But if he did I know he was good.

[@marvissmith4588]

In his autobiography, he talked of his love of dancing. The Lindy hop was one of his favorite dances.

[@tommyt1971]

Spike also talked about how Malcolm loved to dance in the liner notes to the soundtrack.

[@tommyt1971]

A few mos after this movie was released I saw Spike speak at my university. He told us that Denzel spent several weeks leaning how to Lindy Hop.

[@richardramfire3971]

I read his book it was an amazing read

[@dwightlove3704]

@@marvissmith4588 In his book ppl told him he was too stiff and once he started to relax he made dance halls his second home.

[@ZorzGaming]

The way Spike comes flying through at the end and the look on his face is maybe one of the best moments in Cinema History. The smirk - "I made this :)"

[@artfullycreative584]

Oh it’s because he slid between my legs 😂

[@jackochs5218]

Brilliant scene. This movie is like 4 different films packed into one, all of which are excellent. Spike SNAPPED

[@Fraan000]

Yup. Amazing movie, still one of my favorites.

[@ninaberry7663]

An overlooked influence in the swing dance craze that hit the 90s. Just a fabulous scene and amazing dancers.

[@adamguerrero5293]

This is an interesting thought. Being a young person during that swing revival, a long time southerner who gravitated towards black folks, I never saw that revival in that community.

[@Malcomsex]

Influence? This is directly derived without it there’s no swing dance.

[@dwightlove3704]

​@@Malcomsex MX in his book said that white people were STIFF AND MECHANICAL and Black ppl were not !!!!!

[@Malcomsex]

@@dwightlove3704 they danced like someone wound them up step one two 3 rinse and repeat

[@dwightlove3704]

@@Malcomsex Exactly just like a ROBOT instead of FREE FLOWING.Malcolm said that he was ROBOTIC but everyone said that he needs to relax and let the music take over once he got those tips from ppl they couldn't keep him away from the club.

[@gblatt8472]

Saw this as a teenager, I assumed that all night clubs would have dancing like that, even tried to learn my moves from it. Cut to my 21st birthday and I'm learning 2 hard lessons at once.

[@yangkx]

Actually chances are there's a place that does it near where you live! Search for a big city's Lindy hop group and their social dance event!

[@tommyt1971]

Gets my vote for best dance sequence of the past 25 years. I saw Spike speak at my university about 20 yrs ago & he said Denzel trained for wks learning how to jitterbug.

[@Theomite]

Denzel worked his ass off for this film. It's one of the few films of his where he's not doing his "Denzel thing" and you can actually believe him as the person he plays. He was robbed of his justly deserved Oscar.

[@tommyt1971]

+Theomite Damn skippy he was robbed!! Al Pacino in Scent/Woman?? I love Al but all he did was yell in that one.

[@imperallady]

This and scenes from IDLEWILD

[@billyjack4131]

Sure he did 😂😊

[@deniseoates7147]

Well look at Denzel on the dance floor, did not know that he had the ability to move and groove this good. Spike Lee never fails to provide the most in his films. He seems to love these period piece reimagined. Thanks for sharing and blessing to you and all in the days to come.

[@bobbyschannel349]

I know, I was looking too, he does the lindy pretty good LOL

[@bobbyschannel349]

By the way. If you know black dancers where you're from, encourage them to learn Lindy Hop and start Lindy hop dance studios for black dancers. Revitalize the black Lindy Hop movement... Because white people have taken over that dance movement. Majority of Lindy Hoppers today are white. And many of them are even racist towards black people who are coming into Lindy hop dance classes, which is weird because these are black dances. you know how it is...🤔

[@dwightlove3704]

@@bobbyschannel349 This dance was said to have been named after Charles Lindbergh if they stole it who among black people got this style of dance on the map.

[@artfullycreative584]

Oh really named after a white man really? 😂

[@axlorg89]

This is the movie I saw which got me interested in Lindy Hop Swing Dancing. Years later and that interest still hasn't left me so now I'm starting lessons in a week.

[@Mattamillion-vk2pf]

Other than the stunning choreography, what's so darn cool about this scene is that Malcolm was just a boy having fun and living life here, and never did he think he would rise to become one of the most famous American black leaders of the 20th century alongside Dr. King.

[@creativeotis5361]

Just for the record. I studied for a month with Frankie Manning so that the work in this film would be accurate. I brought him and Norma Miller on as a consultant so that the larger world would know and revere them. One should know that Mama Lou Parks and strange as it might seem Eleo Pomare, for his storytelling prowess, also had some influence in my work here. I would like to think that in the end I was able to take all of these elements and truly make it my own. Much love and respect to Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Eleo Pomare, Mama Lou Parks, Lionel Hampton and all of the giants that got us here.

[@hopefulagnostic336]

+Otis Sallid Sir, I believe this comment was overlooked! Are you the choreographer for this scene? If so, *brilliant* work, and thank you for all the names you mentioned in the comment. I have a lot of googling to do!

[@SwingcatVB]

+Otis Sallid - THANK YOU so much for piping in! I worked with Monty Ross (the guy in white suit that said SHOWTI-I-I-I-I-I-IME in the beginning) at the Crispus Attucks Theatre in Norfolk, VA where he worked as the Cultural Arts director for a few years. Our local swing dance club - SwingVirginia.com - dances at the Attucks Theatre for the past 8 years and are doing our part to keep the history and love of swing dance alive. THANK YOU for your talent and giving us Lindy Hoppers an incredible inspiration and timeless classic for all of us to strive towards. -jeff

[@dwightlove3704]

+Liz Francis At first I was not crazy about this scene but later on Spike Lee and his collaborators explained why to show what Malcolm was before he became the man we all know he is now "White America's worst nightmare"!!!!!!

[@maritablake8776]

Thank you for your amazing work - this and the Lindy Hop scene in Hellzapoppin are my two favourite dance scenes in any film, ever - & forever linked by the amazing Frankie Manning ! I was lucky to take a dance class with him back in the mid 90s at the London Lindy Hop Festival ...Everyone learned so much , he was such a wonderful teacher and dancer- so patient and generous with his time.. Sadly missed , but never ever forgotten.

[@dwightlove3704]

Creative Otis You are a GENIUS at first when I saw this I was not too crazy about it for the reasons I wanted the main character to attack white America at the outset but Spike and his team wanted to show what Malcolm was like in his youth.Once again thank you.

[@tommyt1971]

Anyone else feel exhausted just WATCHING this? XD

[@BlackXamarylliS]

Imagine BEING IN A LINDY HOP PARTY :P

[@tomtrinchera8405]

@@BlackXamarylliS I couldn't do it, even when I was maybe 20 yrs old!

[@Billzbomyae7]

The shape they must of been in back in those days

[@Mark152093]

Are you kidding?! I love the movie but when I re-watch it, this scene gets me exhausted, and I'm just sitting on my couch!

[@richardramfire3971]

Black people seem to be naturally rhythmic. Hopefully that doesn’t sound racist.

[@hopefulagnostic336]

Nope. Not racist to me. I mean, obviously it's not the case for individuals, but culturally, we come from Africa, where so much of life is built around rhythm. Work, play, celebration, and the sacred. Check out the Ken Burns documentary Jazz. It goes into that a bit.

[@montezsmith204]

No it's not racist. GOD gave us black people this.

[@semdavidanger]

yes we are

[@timniksa509]

Yeah white people have no rythm

[@georgewright5631]

No it doesn't, it's the truth.

[@CanisLupus123]

I Love This! This is my favorite part in this movie! A Classic!

[@kansascitychief4965]

Them suits will forever be iconic

[@dwightlove3704]

Ruth Carter:A Oscar NOMINEE for Costume Design

[@Dagot1948]

Just one word: GLORIOUS!

[@SwingcatVB]

BACK IN THE DAY: "All those crazy kids. Doing all that crazy kickin' and jumpin'. Just ain't right."

[@tomtrinchera8405]

Yeah, ain't it COOL??

[@vancityguy]

This was the modern equivalent of twerking.

[@8888barb]

Frankie Manning came over to the UK in the 90s and taught quite a few classes at the Notre Dame Hall. We were pleased to have his expertise.

[@honestperson6280]

The tune that the band is playing in the scene is called "Flying Home", which was, coincidentally, played in a dance scene in another. film earlier that year titled " A League of Their Own"

[@brownprincess7189]

I remember that

[@imperallady]

Yes🏆🤌💯💯💯💯🙌🙌🙌🙌 both glorious scenes

[@michaelwilks6268]

I can just imagine my man Malcolm smooth cat doing his thing back in the day. One thing that they can't take away from that brother is that he lived the life on both sides of the coin. That's why he was so great because he could navigate between both worlds, the man in the streets and the so-called man at the top. God bless you Al Hajj Malik El Shabazz for being our brother instead of our father and for your humblness, truth and courageousness.

[@vancouverterry9142]

Oh those horn choruses, the sax egging it all on, the vibes and trumpet riffing . . . just pouring it on, pouring it on as the band gives no quarter. Dancing Lindy Hop to this swing and tempo, I tell you, what it brings out of a dancer, I think only we know, it's a blessing taking over us, undulating like the waves of swing. Can't be described but migod I am so grateful, so fulfilled, to be a dancer.

[@fuaim]

thank you for listing the choreographers. this is an incredible piece of work. stayed with me for years!!

[@imperallady]

Still with me... for always!🥳☺🙌💯🥺❤❤💚💚🖤🖤🤌🏆

[@myinnapeaceministries7545]

Between this scene & the musical numbers in School Daze, Spike has an eye for directing musicals.

[@kolboy757]

Spike Lee incorporated this well choreographed scene because he's a fan of old MGM Musicals from the 30s and 40s that will have dance numbers like this. You will see it in some other films he has done

[@vanitysmirror]

Yes he did but brother Malcolm was a Lindy hop champion. I'm glad Spike highlights this light-hearted time in his life.

[@bobbyschannel349]

@@vanitysmirror exactly, lindy was part of black culture back then it was our number one dance, especially in New York where it was born, everybody was doing it back then.

[@DOC231520002]

Agreed!!! School Daze has a great dance number between the sororities!

[@darrinharris373]

This is one of the best scenes I’ve ever watched

[@mangostudiosxxx9249]

This is like one of favorite dance scenes

[@dannycena42]

Those people were getting the heck down

[@lindagurrera685]

Dig those crazy zoot suits

[@mattlohr]

Gotta give Robi Reed credit for casting a pretty spot-on Lionel Hampton lookalike.

[@warnerokereke4259]

I love this scene!

[@tkemp500027]

This is how it’s described in the book

[@dwightlove3704]

When I first saw this film I was hoping that they would start out showing Malcolm X when he was in the NOI but silly me I read the book and MX had no clue about the NOI and what it was about in the '40s when he was young.And this is why they had this beautiful dance scene to show his beginnings before he entered the NOI.

[@killer92173]

I'm not a dancer (in fact, i'm one of those grouches who likes to chill beside a wall) but this scene makes me want to get up, jump into the screen, and dance alongside these people. They all look like they're having the time of their lives, and these look a lot of fun to film.

[@artfullycreative584]

Heyyyyyy that’s meeeee!!! I’m going to come get you Shorty!

[@captaincrow6966]

😅😅😅

[@Wolf251982]

My favorite scene in the movie! I love it!

[@BLACKREDTAILANGEL]

And the vibe player looks like a young Lionel Hampton! And check out the history of the Lindy Hop.

[@medde655]

Back then, in black big band clubs the staff used the term "Bing's in the house" if cops were spotted in the clubs.

[@leonwoods4052]

We can't be faded.....Black Gold....

[@ChuyGarcia06]

Truly Amazing scene!

[@swinglim]

Frankie Manning and Norma Miller are clearly in there too :)

[@markaym3735]

After seeing this, I asked my grandmother "did people really dance like that?" She said, yeah,, we all danced like that. That's just how we danced ." Our grands were acrobats.

[@BeautelligentDiva79]

I wonder if they're are classes one can take to dance like this. I've always wanted to do this kind of dancing just to be in the moment.

[@Wolf251982]

My favorite scene.

[@tommyt1971]

@musiqtube1 One of the things they said in the liner notes for the soundtrack was that Malcolm DID like to dance before his imprisonment. Can't imagine jitterbugging myself, looks EXHAUSTING!!

[@samuelfreeland]

I like this scene of denzel dancing he an excellent actor

[@GSmith-cd6ct]

Great scene

[@jerryspence3969]

Spike Lee look like he can swing!!!

[@timnavarrette6932]

Just random dance moves and still great rhythm

[@pointuout2020]

Scene shot in the Hotel Diplomat / old New York Elks Lodge #1 lodge room space on the 3rd floor.

[@loriemorris4629]

I love the dancing!

[@MsJP]

Great work out 🤸🏾‍♀️

[@robindrake7038]

Great song. Great scene. Great movie.

[@dwightlove3704]

Robin Drake Lionel Hampton it was said that he stopped by on several occasions to see how his music was being used in this film.

[@MrBoyer1958]

Reminds me of my mom and dad

[@delshawnmcdaniel2828]

RIP to Norma Miller. Well into her 70s and was still shakin and movin

[@davidforreal2116]

Love this scene

[@femininemiles8416]

I loooove this part of the movie😊💗💗💗

[@captaincrow6966]

Guess this how my grandparents used to go clubbin 😂 gotta give it to them though they could jam back then.. them dance moves are cool 😏

[@michaelhales833]

Fab! Just fab!

[@topraiderfan2763]

Help!!!!!!!!!!!! Save me! Save me!!!! (I love it!!!!!)

[@captaincrow6966]

😂😂😂😂 she was on the chunky side

[@purplesamurai8964]

X i love you

[@pariss3921]

The best part 😂❤️

[@Ferrist1]

Black people know we use to cut up. I love this.

[@prodeyj1]

Blow Top Blues! By Lionel Hampton

[@themottoist5659]

Flying Home, I think.

[@syndicatecruze5981]

Damn, and i thought breakdancing was hard when i was doin it

[@BelikeMike47]

crazy to think malcolm was 16 during this time.

[@CanisLupus123]

Classic!

[@whitespanish11]

I would love to have lived in these times

[@blakesby]

No, in contrast to your life today, you probably wouldn't have.

[@milosniffer5293]

What the fuck LMAO

[@milosniffer5293]

Either you are a racist white person or you don't understand how fucked segregated America was for black people

[@jerzeesouljah]

denzel and spike did they thing

[@PukkarPukkar]

Came for Frankie and stayed for Frankie. Although he's only seen in the damn background! :D

[@SwingcatVB]

Very interesting tidbit. That "blame" falls on the Writers and Consistency Directors. It's that fun "Hollywood Effect" that viewers believe everything we see on screen. Many movies may have some sort of "questionable" details when it takes only 10 minutes to drive through an entire city. EX: The movie "Titanic", the character talks about falling into Lake Wissota when a child. The lake was a man-made lake was formed in 1918 - six years after the Titanic sank.

[@CREEPYKOULWAH]

Amazing scene

[@denzelmiller63]

3:20 I’m Spike Lee and you’re watching the Disney Channel.

[@TheDocAfro]

So my grandmother and grandfather danced to this............Yup they can not say anything about anything I do now in the clubs.

[@spade2187]

We went from this to twerking smh

[@DOC231520002]

LOLOLOLOLOL🤣🤣🤣 IKR?

[@CrispyPrince]

Back when you didn’t have to spit game to women u could just randomly dance with one or give them a look across the room and she calls u over

[@tommyt1971]

@americangangster86 It'd be a HELL of a workout!! Look how winded they all are at the end & they're probably Julliard or NYU or from some other performing arts school.

[@alphonsofriday1043]

Denzel and Spike did the dam thing

[@matthewalexanderlemma8000]

In Movie Land, everyone is a professional dancer...LOL!!!

[@charlescharles9625]

Who are those ladies @ 1:23-1:40? WOW!

[@FlacoN9na]

I adore

[@RW77777777]

you don't want this, you want Hellzapoppin

[@davidfernandez8515]

Did they really dance like that back then?

[@corrimahanible8165]

Yes

[@BeautelligentDiva79]

@TheBooklover1848 Great! I live in the Louisiana but intend to relocate to the GA or TX area after finishing school. Thanks for the heads up, though. I appreciate it.

[@THEEBlackGirlGamer]

When you realize they used the same song in A league of their own.

[@gailwebb9619]

Same era and music.

[@RAMLIA1]

❤️❤️❤️

[@dundee520]

nice post

[@bobbob-sv4mk]

1:36 brotha is moving

[@natemyers4946]

"SMOKIN!!" - The Mask

[@darlenejordan5777]

Did Mr Washington really do any dancing in these scenes?

[@whome3543]

No

[@whayes8084]

Yes he practiced for weeks according to Spike

[@SwingcatVB]

we all love you too. ;-)

[@maggieedward3951]

Love it ☺️💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@tha1nonly992]

From 1:35-1:53 is my part where he plays the mess outta that trumpet

[@drewrugger]

“Oh, I say, and I say it again, ya been had! Ya been took! Ya been hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!”

[@PrinceOfCicero]

They're a very musical people. :D

[@tonycervz89]

since back in the day bbws were getting it

[@mauriciochinelli9834]

Música negra é muito foda 👏👏

[@TheTurk56523]

Swing Kids was good but Malcom X Swing Scene beats it out.

[@dr.ridiculous8003]

Do anyone know what this song is called?

[@vanitysmirror]

Flying home Lionel Hampton.

[@nashhash2380]

The dance choreo was a bit exaggerated but nice

[@ForgottenCrimeStories]

Ashley said so brought me here .... *SQUADGANG*

[@carinamaciel9760]

Cómo se llama la película??

[@ereyes312]

Malcolm X

[@carinamaciel9760]

@@ereyes312 Gracias!!!!