Voguing at the Savoy. Pretty sure it never happened. But it does happen in Jitterbug! during the dance's break in the play and screenplay. The writer has always encouraged choreographers to "reach into the future" for dance steps that will win the climatic dance contest at the Savoy Ballroom for its hero and heroine, Billy Rhythm and Tharbis Jefferson. Anything that will blow the minds of the jaded Savoy regulars who have seen it all. That also includes dubstep, hip hop, breakdance, and more.
These dances are performed against music from the future, too. Duke Ellington's symphonic jazz piece Harlem from 1963 is used to signal something magical, heroic, and romantic is happening on the dance floor as the music segues from Chick Webb's drum and horn driven signature piece Liza (written by the Gershwins).
The image above reflects how Billy and Tharbis are being slashed with razors and knives as they dance close to the encroaching dance and music crazed crowd that includes the legendary street gang The Jolly Fellows who want Billy and Tharbis to lose so their champions George "Shorty" Snowden and Big Bea can win.
To see how powerful voguing is on it own merits and how its culture refers to their "balls" as "wars," check out the video below. Now envision using the dance in a duet with Billy and Tharbis mirroring each other while, with stone cold faces, fearlessly staring down those surrounding them who want them dead.
These dances are performed against music from the future, too. Duke Ellington's symphonic jazz piece Harlem from 1963 is used to signal something magical, heroic, and romantic is happening on the dance floor as the music segues from Chick Webb's drum and horn driven signature piece Liza (written by the Gershwins).
The image above reflects how Billy and Tharbis are being slashed with razors and knives as they dance close to the encroaching dance and music crazed crowd that includes the legendary street gang The Jolly Fellows who want Billy and Tharbis to lose so their champions George "Shorty" Snowden and Big Bea can win.
To see how powerful voguing is on it own merits and how its culture refers to their "balls" as "wars," check out the video below. Now envision using the dance in a duet with Billy and Tharbis mirroring each other while, with stone cold faces, fearlessly staring down those surrounding them who want them dead.
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