Hand dancing
Encyclopedia
Hand dancing, also known as "D.C. hand dancing" or "D.C. swing", is a form of swing dance that can be traced as far back as the 1920s, from Lindy Hop
, to Jitterbug and to the 50's when Washington, D.C.
developed its own version and named it Hand Dance. It is characterized by gliding footwork and continuous hand connection
/communication between the partners, hence its name. It fell out of favor during the disco era, but in the 80's, Hand Dance resurfaced in the Washington dance community.
In 1993, the Smithsonian Institution
recognized Hand Dance as an American Art Form, and the Smithsonian exhibit led to the establishment of the National Hand Dance Association.
In 1999 it was formally recognized as the official dance of D.C. by the city council
.
In 2000, the first book on D.C. Hand Dance was published by native Washingtonian Kim L. Frazier (Morris Publishing-ISBN 0-9750683-0-4; Library of Congress Reference# TXu000937692). The book documents the history, definition, philosophy, culture, structure, dance steps and varied styles of Hand Dance. It provides discussions on etiquette, the competitive and social dance environment the benefits of the dance, social norms, the traditional and contemporary variations and more.
On 29 May 2008, hand dancing was featured on the television contest So You Think You Can Dance
with the auditions of contestants Markus Smith and Deonna Ball. Their performance followed a brief exposition on its history and video footage from a hand dancing party at a VFW
hall in Suitland, Maryland.
On 1 January 2011, the Washington Post featured an article on Hand Dancing highlighting Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray
's participation in the art form
The TRI-State Connection holds an annual hand dance competition in Tyson's Corner each September.
Lindy Hop
The Lindy Hop is an American social dance, from the swing dance family. It evolved in Harlem, New York City in the 1920s and '30s and originally evolved with the jazz music of that time. Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based...
, to Jitterbug and to the 50's when Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
developed its own version and named it Hand Dance. It is characterized by gliding footwork and continuous hand connection
Connection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
/communication between the partners, hence its name. It fell out of favor during the disco era, but in the 80's, Hand Dance resurfaced in the Washington dance community.
In 1993, the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
recognized Hand Dance as an American Art Form, and the Smithsonian exhibit led to the establishment of the National Hand Dance Association.
In 1999 it was formally recognized as the official dance of D.C. by the city council
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
.
In 2000, the first book on D.C. Hand Dance was published by native Washingtonian Kim L. Frazier (Morris Publishing-ISBN 0-9750683-0-4; Library of Congress Reference# TXu000937692). The book documents the history, definition, philosophy, culture, structure, dance steps and varied styles of Hand Dance. It provides discussions on etiquette, the competitive and social dance environment the benefits of the dance, social norms, the traditional and contemporary variations and more.
On 29 May 2008, hand dancing was featured on the television contest So You Think You Can Dance
So You Think You Can Dance (U.S. TV series)
So You Think You Can Dance is an American dance competition and reality show that airs on Fox in the United States.The series first premiered on July 20, 2005, and was created by American Idol producers Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions...
with the auditions of contestants Markus Smith and Deonna Ball. Their performance followed a brief exposition on its history and video footage from a hand dancing party at a VFW
VFW
VFW may refer to:*Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke*Veterans of Foreign Wars*Veterans of Future Wars*Video for Windows*VFW Parkway...
hall in Suitland, Maryland.
On 1 January 2011, the Washington Post featured an article on Hand Dancing highlighting Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray
Vincent C. Gray
Vincent C. Gray is an American politician who is currently serving as the seventh Mayor of the District of Columbia. Prior to his inauguration as mayor in January 2011, Gray served as Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, and as Councilmember for Ward 7...
's participation in the art form
The TRI-State Connection holds an annual hand dance competition in Tyson's Corner each September.