Watch the "ILHC Legacy" Interviews with Lindy Hop Pioneers George Sullivan, Eleanor Watson and More

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George and Sugar Sullivan at the Harvest Moon Ball, 1955

George and Sugar Sullivan at the Harvest Moon Ball, 1955

Starting in July, the International Lindy Hop Championships has been sharing out interviews with some of the pioneers of lindy hop, in what they call the ILHC Legacy Series. Originally conceived of as being part of a larger documentary about lindy hop, ILHC has begun releasing these clips from interviews conducted as part of their research. As we seek to honor the Black roots of lindy hop, knowing the stories of these dancers is so so important.

On July 10, they released the first video, an interview with George Sullivan, Harvest Moon Ball Winner, Mama Lu Parks Dancer, and partner of Sugar Sullivan. Check it out below.

Here’s George back in 1955 dancing with Sugar at the Harvest Moon Ball!

Recently, they followed this up with an interview with Eleanor Watson, Whitey's Lindy Hopper and Savoy Ballroom dancer.

If you are like me, you knew almost nothing about Ms. Watson prior to this interview. So I was so grateful for getting to hear her story.

Future interviews will feature :

  • Andrew Jerrick

  • Leroy Griffin

  • Remegia Simone

  • Terry Monaghan

  • Dawn Hampton

  • Frankie Manning

  • Sugar Sullivan

  • Ruth Rheingold

  • Gloria Caldwell and Dave Butts

Check their website for details and dates for the release of these videos! And be sure and subscribe to their YouTube channel.