Dance: A “Very SW!NG OUT Holiday” at the Joyce

Before there was disco or hip hop, there was a dance phenomenon known as “swing.” Originating in the 1920s, it incorporated movement elements from the Charleston, the Collegiate and the Texas Tommy and was re-christened the Lindy Hop, named after Lucky Lindy, the aviation hero. Lindy Hop soon became quite the thing at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom.

The 1920s may have disappeared into the ether but the Lindy Hop never did. Beginning in the late 1990s, it’s experienced a surge in popularity—everywhere from Hell’s Kitchen to Stockholm to Seoul.

Three years ago, a dance troupe called the Braintrust created a SW!NG OUT Lindy Hop act and last night, their “Very SW!NG OUT Holiday” took the stage at the Joyce, practically blowing the roof off the joint.

The 12-member troupe, wearing irresistibly broad smiles and vintage 1940s duds, busted moves to jazzed-up version of holiday tunes, including “Let it Snow” and “Christmas Night in Harlem.” A 7-piece jazz band led by Eyal Vilner provided the musical accompaniment, with vocals by Imani Rousselle. Choreographer was by Caleb Teicher, no mean tap dancer himself.

Perhaps the most novel part of the evening, however, came after intermission, when the Braintrust dancers invited the audience onto the stage. Who knew there were so many closet Freds-and-Gingers, Gregory Hines and Savion Glovers among us? Not I and probably not you. But now you do.

“A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday” is at the Joyce through Tuesday. Lindy-hop over and bring your dancing shoes. Too bad I forgot mine.

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