Class & Dance Cancellations
Hop to the Beat has cancelled all upcoming dance and class activities. This includes the Uptown Swing dance scheduled for Saturday, March 28, plus the new Boston and Newton March/April class sessions. Local Lindy Hop/Swing activities are in a similar position. These have been difficult and sad decisions for our dance community to make, however, we are experiencing a situation where our actions can make a difference to the spread of COVID-19. Let’s be optimistic by acting now in the hopes before long we’ll get back to our dancing activities we cherish so much. Feel free to be in touch if you have any questions.
June 8, 2020
To our Lindy Hop Community,
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen and felt horror, outrage, disgust, frustration, pain, sorrow, and incredible grief and sadness. With our own eyes we witnessed the callous murder of George Floyd, however, we know there have been countless others before him. The oppression of Black people in this country has been going on for centuries. Racism is rampant and real, and the time for it to stop is long overdue. It’s likely those of us who are white often don’t notice or realize where it exists in our own everyday lives. Although it can seem overwhelming, we each have it in our power to be the change.
A place to start is by listening and learning. There are numerous ways to learn through books, articles, podcasts and other media. Participate in discussions, events, petitions and through anti-racist organizations.
Rhee Gold hosted a discussion last week on dance and race, which is relevant to Lindy Hoppers.
There are numerous local and national organizations to which you can donate, and also find resources. We’ve selected the following, although there are many other choices.
In our Lindy Hop community, especially in the last few years, Black dancers have been speaking up to say they often don’t feel welcome or represented at events and dances. There would be no Lindy Hop without the blood, sweat and tears of African-Americans. We need to honor and respect that through acknowledging the history and contributions of African-American culture, educating ourselves and other dancers, engaging with Black dancers, instructors and musicians, while fostering an environment of inclusivity.
It is each of our responsibility to do what we believe is right. We all need to be the change for our community, our country and humanity.
There is strength in community. Let’s stand together with open hearts and open minds.
