The Black Bottom originated in New Orleans during the 1900s, reaching popularity during the mid-late 1920s, competing with its close cousin, the Charleston. The dance allegedly got its name from Detroit’s Black Bottom district, a predominantly black neighborhood on the city’s east side that spawned influential musicians and dancers who contributed to African-American vernacular cultural expressions like Blues, Big Band Swing and Jazz of the 1930s-1950s.
Taking inspiration from the artist Sonia Boyce’s Oh Adelaide! (2013), and the Vitaphone Pepper Pot short: An All-Colored Vaudeville Show (1935), this workshop gives a taste of America’s south, of smoke-filled, late night ‘juke joints’ of Prohibition.
Learn classic Black Bottom steps like the Mooch, the Mess Around and the Spank the Baby – all with a blues feeling.
Christine has been a passionate lindy hopper since 1994. Shortly after she was invited to join the Jitterbug Jammers Dance Troupe followed by joining the Lindy Circle Performance Group, choreographing and teaching as well as performing. She provided a creative stylistic lead for the group whilst Artistic Director 2005-2006. She currently provides a creative lead for the Ragtagglers lindy hop group and has collaborated with her former students to generate the Revelettes women’s jazz troupe performances.
Since 2004, Christine has taught African-American vernacular jazz (1920s-1940s styles) and Savoy Style lindy hop as a guest teacher at numerous events in and around London.
Bookings
Book your place online here. For enquiries call 020 7749 1240 or email bookings@iniva.org.
CONCESSIONS: For a concessionary rate (students, over 60s, unemployed) enter the code: Iniva_concession on the Eventbrite page for a discounted rate.
NB. please print out your ticket (and present proof of concession) when you arrive at Rivington Place.