Dancing the Big Apple 1937

Filmmaker/narrator Judy Pritchett's documentary deftly explores the late-Depression-era dance craze known as the “Big Apple.” Combining period music, archival photos/footage, and newspaper article excerpts, Dancing the Big Apple traces the dance from its roots in African culture and religious dance (including the “ring shout”) to its inauguration at the African-American nightclub the Big Apple in Columbia, SC, where visiting white students copied the moves and helped the style propagate across Myrtle Beach and later make its way up to New York City. Incorporating numerous features, including a caller (announcing the steps), the Lindy Hop, the shag, pecking, and trucking (with variations such as a Virginia reel, rubbernecking, and “picking cherries,” finishing with a loud “Praise Allah!” that pointed to a Muslim influence), the “Big Apple” quickly spread like wildfire across the country, showing up in themed songs and clothing, a Rube Goldberg cartoon, movies such as 1938's Spirit of Youth, and even making an appearance at the White House during FDR's administration. DVD extras include a demonstration of the steps and a segment on choreography. Offering an encompassing look at the racial, cultural, and inspirational effects of a popular dance, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)