Harlem nonprofit dances an old form into a swinging future
Thanks to The Harlem Swing Dance Society, the Harlem community has recently been given the chance to dust off its ballroom shoes, and re-engage in an activity that once filled the neighborhood with soul.
A nonprofit established in 2010, THSDS is set on reviving the vibrant Harlem culture that once flowed from the doors of the Savoy Ballroom and other grand dance halls. The organization’s founders, Jihad Qasim and Barbara Jones, work to encourage people in the community to relearn the etiquette and steps of swing dance, with a particular focus on the neighborhood’s youth.
“We want to especially let our young people know about it, reintroduce it to them,” Jones, the society’s executive officer, said, “because if the young people don’t learn this culture or this folk dance, then it’s going to die out.”
Qasim, who is also president of the Consolidated Block Association, points to a series of positive dynamics fostered by ballroom dancing. Through dancing, he said, “man and the women could connect—two basic units of society. The man would learn how to lead the woman respectfully.” Quasim continued that the woman, in turn, “would learn how to follow with grace and respect.” He cited additional benefits like a gained sense of family and community, exercise, and the promotion of decent hygiene and good dress code.
In its effort to keep swing alive, The Harlem Swing Dance Society maintains a collection of LM clips and records, which are often shared with the public at events in local libraries, senior and community centers, and high schools. Such events range from social dances—including one held during the recent Harlem Week celebration—to introductory classes, which will resume this October.
On Oct. 15, THSDS will put on a swing dance performance, followed by a lesson and a two-hour dance social at Morris-Jumel Mansion (65 Jumel Terrace, near 160th Street) as part of “openhousenewyork Weekend.” Guests are asked to wear period-style clothing in honor of the Savoy Ballroom.
THSDS is a grassroots movement occurring just next door to Columbia. Their mission to “reintroduce and preserve” swing dance and make it an “intergenerational activity once again” has already piqued much interest.
“People have shared their artifacts. They’ve shared their stories,” Jones said. “We’ve talked to seniors as old as 98 and 99, and they remember. And they come alive—they become energetic just talking about it.” Jones went on to say that swing dance “was their youth, and they’re so happy to have it back.”
Qasim hopes to eventually appeal to the corporate and music industries for further support, but for now, he and Jones receive private donations of money and time that allow most events to be affordable—or free.
Jones and Qasim hope that in their capable hands, the rich past of swing dance will have a promising rebirth.
Columbia Daily Spectator
Published September 21, 2011