Mura Dehn – The Spirit Moves: A History of Black Social Dance on Film (1982)
A three part archival film documentary that traces the evolution of African American dance. Pt. 1: First half of the 20th Century; Pt. 2: Savoy Ballroom of Harlem; Pt. 3: Postwar era.
“The Spirit Moves”: Rescuing the Essence of Dance
Now, let’s talk a little about the visionary behind this masterpiece of documentary filmmaking, Mura Dehn. Known for her deep commitment to preserving and celebrating African American culture, Dehn dedicated much of her career to documenting the rich history of Black dance in the United States. In addition to “The Spirit Moves,” Dehn also directed other films and projects related to the subject, such as “The Hot Mikado” (1939) and “Swingin’ the Dream” (1939), where she explored and honored the contributions of African American dancers to the world of entertainment.
As for the dances featured in “The Spirit Moves,” the film offers an impressive variety of styles and movements that reflect the diversity and creativity of the African American community throughout history. Some of the featured dances include:
Lindy Hop: The lindy hop, with its contagious energy and impressive acrobatics, is the main focus of the film. You can enjoy lindy hop performances at various points in the film, including at 15:32 with Frankie Manning and Frieda Washington, and at 30:10 with Al Minns.
Charleston: The Charleston, with its energetic movements and frenetic rhythm, also features prominently in the film. You can see Charleston performances at 23:45 with Norma Miller, where her charisma and unique style shine on the dance floor.
Tap Dance: Tap dance, with its combination of rhythm and percussion, is another dance that can be enjoyed in “The Spirit Moves.” Throughout the film, several tap dance scenes are included that showcase the incredible skill and creativity of the dancers. These are just a few of the many dances featured in “The Spirit Moves,” each contributing to the rich history of Black dance in America and celebrating its lasting impact on culture and art.
The Stars of “The Spirit Moves”
Among the prominent dancers featured in the film are some legendary names who have left an indelible mark on dance history. One of them is Frankie Manning, known as the ambassador of lindy hop, whose spins and jumps have left an indelible mark on the dance scene. His performance at the 1938 Harvest Moon Ball, alongside his partner Frieda Washington, is one of the film’s most memorable scenes. You can enjoy their talent at 15:32, where they dazzle the audience with their timing and unmistakable style.
Another name not to be missed is Norma Miller, known as the “Queen of Swing.” Her contagious energy and improvisational ability captivated everyone in the Savoy Ballroom, where she became a living dance legend. You can enjoy her performance at 23:45, where her presence fills the dance floor with energy and vitality, inspiring everyone around her.
And we can’t forget Al Minns, whose unique style and passion for dance made him a legendary figure in lindy hop. His performance at the 30:10 mark is simply spectacular, showcasing impeccable technique and expressiveness that transcends the barriers of time.
These are just a few of the many talented dancers featured in “The Spirit Moves,” each contributing to enriching the history of African American dance and inspiring future generations of dancers.
Key Scenes from “The Spirit Moves”
One of the film’s most iconic scenes is Frankie Manning and his partner, Frieda Washington, performing at the 1938 Harvest Moon Ball, where they dazzled the audience with their skill and unmistakable style. Another highlight is Norma Miller’s performance at the Savoy Ballroom, where her contagious energy and improvisational ability captivated everyone in attendance.
The Legacy of “The Spirit Moves” in the Current Scene
But “The Spirit Moves” isn’t just a look back. It has also left a lasting legacy on the current dance scene. Thanks to this documentary, many dancers have discovered the richness and diversity of African American dance, drawing inspiration from the incredible skills and unparalleled style of the dancers featured in the film.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Dance and African American Culture
In short, “The Spirit Moves” is much more than a documentary about dance. It is a celebration of the creativity, passion, and resilience of the African American community throughout the 20th century. Through its captivating images and moving stories, it reminds us of the importance of honoring and preserving our cultural roots so that future generations can continue to dance with the living spirit of swing and lindy hop.
The Spirit Moves - A History of Black Social Dance on Film_(1982)_Mura Dehn.mkv
General
Container: Matroska
Runtime: 1 h 58 min
Size: 677 MiB
Video
Codec: x264
Resolution: 640x480
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Frame rate: 29.970 fps
Bit rate: 667 kb/s
BPP: 0.072
Audio
#1: 2.0ch AAC LC @ 128 kb/s
Language(s):No dialogue
Subtitles:None
