ABOUT HARLEM ROOTS
Learn to listen, think and dance as originally done in Harlem, New York, during the era of swing! Focus is on the music and rhythms from the 1920’s to the early 1950’s. The teachers are members of the Harlem Hot Shots, one of the world’s leading dance troupes focusing on swing dances such as lindy hop, tap and authentic jazz.
Harlem Roots takes place on the 18th of February at Umeå Folkets Hus
from 09.30-16.00 with lunch break from 12.00-13.30.
Venues: Loke and Studion
Lindy hop live with Renhornen from 21.00 until 01.00.
Introduction for beginners in lindy hop from 20.00-21.00.
The evening also features entertainment from the Harlem Hot Shots!
Fika for sale during the evening. Entry 150 kr including show and cloakroom.
Join the Facebook event here!
WORKSHOPS
Lindy hop
This course is for everyone who can dance lindy hop – regardless of previous experience and level you will benefit from new skills and inspiration that will develop your dancing. You must however have taken at least one lindy hop course at beginners level and should feel comfortable dancing basic moves at both 6-count and 8-count rhythm.
Authentic jazz
This course is for everyone who can dance authentic – regardless of previous experience and level you will benefit from new skills and inspiration that will develop your dancing. You must however have taken at least one authentic jazz course or workshop at beginners level and should have learned the shim-sham or other routines.
TEACHERS
MIMMI GUNNARSSON
Mimmi, also known as Pims or Tiny, is a dancer full of energy and joy. She studied dance and loves the raw and wild style associated with Harlem in the 30’s and 40’s. She is however inspired by all kinds of dance, which she carefully and gracefully incorporates into her own style. Like a fresh breeze from a forgotten time she makes the dance her own every time she steps onto the dancefloor.
FREDRIK DAHLBERG
Fredrik likes his floors slippy and his music swinging! He loves to create his own moves and name them. Most famous for his individual style, Fredrik takes his time learning but aims to master the dances of the swing era such as tap, charleston, authentic jazz and lindy hop. He even plays the trumpet in the swing band Horsgatan Ramblers.
LIZETTE RÖNNQVIST
Lizette is a known face in competitions (many of which she has won), shows, theatre, films and of course on social dancefloors. She started dancing shortly after she had learned to walk and today dances a variety of different dances and rhythms. With a strong personality and aura, it is always easy to recognize her style. But the dances of the swing era are closest to her heart, with which she also began her career. With strong rhythmic and acrobatic movements she is noticeable wherever she performs. Whatever moves you show her she is sure to master them within minutes.
PATRIK PETTERSSON
Patrik is happiest on stage, which is obvious when you see his famous smile and surprising agility. It is impossible not to notice his love for all music that swings, as soon as he sets foot on the dancefloor. He gets inspiration from the big dancers of the 30’s like Al Minns and Leon James, although he makes his moves his own. If you want to make him happy, just ask him for a dance!
NILS NYGÅRDH
Nils is a hard-working and disciplined dancer. Combine that with talent and quick learning and you get a recipe for success. Success indeed surrounds his career – he moved from first learning the basics of dance to performing on stage to wild applause in a very short time. His serious nature is the only thing that slows down his glad and free movement through more complicated rhythms. The rhythm is always central to his dancing, which is not surprising with his background as a drummer!
FRIDA HÄGGSTRÖM GERDT
Frida is a hardcore lover of jazz in every sense. In Stockholm you will find her right up in front of the stage at any jazz event in the city, that is if she is not herself in the DJ booth. She likes late evenings and moves with simplicity to all kinds of jazz music from 20’s New Orleans to the be bop and cool of 40’s Chicago. As a dancer she flies with ease at all tempos. She is always one with the music and has a personal charm best described as a little cheeky. A serious dancer with a permanent glint in her eye.
DANCE INSPIRATION
HARLEM HOT SHOTS
The amazing…Harlem Hot Shots!
Harlem Hot Shots is a professional dance troupe specializing in authentic entertainment from Harlem during the swing era. Dances such as lindy hop, charleston, jazz and tap are the foundations of their repertoires, which even contain acrobatics, singing and comedy as well. Harlem Hot Shots have acquired international acclaim and perform regularly throughout Sweden and other parts of the world.
Photo by Linas Mažonas
LINDY HOP LIVE WITH RENHORNEN
Dance to live music from big band Renhornen! 20.00 – 21.00 Introduction for beginners in Lindy Hop. No experience required. 21.00 Dance to live music.
The evening also features entertainment from the famous swing dance troupe Harlem Hot Shots!
Venue: Studion, Folkets Hus, Umeå. Fika for sale. Evening ends at 01.00.
Entry 150 kr including show and cloakroom (same price for all).
