Presenter view · Grades 5–8 · Physical Education · The Lindy Hop, the Charleston and the Savoy Ballroom
Move Like Harlem
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Before you start
Materials
- Audio: upbeat jazz — recommended: Chick Webb, “Stompin’ at the Savoy” (1934); Duke Ellington, “It Don’t Mean a Thing” (1932). Both free on YouTube.
- Open gym space or cleared classroom; no equipment needed
- Optional: short video clip of Lindy Hop dancers at the Savoy Ballroom (several authentic clips on YouTube)
- Differentiated reflection handouts — one per student (completed after activity)
On the classroom screen
Up next
The Savoy Ballroom 3 min
“The Savoy Ballroom opened in Harlem in 1926. It held 4,000 people. Black and white dancers danced together — which was illegal in many other places in America. The Lindy Hop was born there. It was named after Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight in 1927 — people said the dancers looked like they were flying. Today we’re going to move the way Harlem moved.”