Today we’d like to introduce you to Arthur White.
Hi Arthur, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a founder of Los Angeles Swing Dance Posse (LASDP Foundation Inc), a non-profit 501(c)3 public benefit organization. LASDP is a dance company that performs all over southern California to share the historic art form of swing dance in a high energy, fun way. Our mission is to preserve, promote, perform and teach African American vernacular dances of the 1800s to the present day, including Savoy Swing, Charleston and Lindy Hop. LASDP offers instruction, performances, workshops, and social events to people of all ages and racial/ethnic backgrounds. We bring this form of artistic expression to more communities in Los Angeles, continuing to encourage inclusivity and diversity.
During a series of general membership meetings to define the culture of LASDP, we discussed core values and set goals. An overriding objective emerged: To change the culture of the swing dance scene. This objective will be achieved by promoting inclusivity in terms of affordability, inspiring youth involvement, establishing the acceptance of all forms of swing dance, and to welcome all participants particularly people of color. As we become a respected organization in the dance community, we will have a voice in shaping the culture and more opportunities to teach the rich contributions of African Americans.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
LASDP is dedicated to promoting racial equality, affordability, inclusivity and swing dance history.
African American origins of swing dance have moved from its Black roots to a primarily white activity; many African Americans are unaware of this heritage. As elders have died, the knowledge and link to those originators has been lost. Many current teachers – through uninterest or lack of knowledge – fail to acknowledge African American creators. LASDP connects that history through our choreographer, Chester A. Whitmore, who studied with many of the originators. LASDP dancers learn and incorporate that history in our performances, held in various communities. Mr. Whitmore is a 2022 recipient of both the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden and the Golden Star Award from the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Systemic racism and its legacy of fostering income inequality creates a barrier to joining this dance community. Swing dance lessons are pricey. Teachers frequently encourage students to become part of the greater swing community by attending large conventions, typically called “camps”. These costly camps are often held in white communities at expensive hotels. LASDP lowers financial barriers through our free performances and reasonably priced teaching programs. We have also been involved with some major dance camps in California to foster inclusivity. It is wonderful that a couple camps offered scholarships to encourage diversity this past year.
Black dancers often voice feeling unwelcome at global swing dance events, where social dancing (participants dance with people they don’t know) is the norm. Most participants are white and often don’t ask dancers of color to dance. LASDP works toward the inclusion of all peoples particularly people of color. When LASDP attends dances, we introduce ourselves to new people and ask them to dance. Since our members represent various racial and ethnic backgrounds, our presence improves diversity at these events.
LASDP is an inclusive and equitable organization where all dance participants and audience members, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or identity are valued and respected. Prioritizing racial equity and anti-racism benefits everyone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since May 2018, LASDP brings swing dance to a broader audience. The history and joy of swing dance is shared with the public by producing over fifty-five performances at various sites, adapting our show to each setting and audience whether the location is in a recreation room, a senior center, an elementary school auditorium, an open air market, a big stage in a famous club or an internationally known dance camp.
As we expand our efforts, we hope to cultivate appreciation and enthusiasm toward the contributions of this African American heritage.
Upcoming events during Black History Month
Vernacular Jazz – Black Dances & History Workshop
February 4, 2023 and February 11, 2023 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Mid-City Arts Center, 1644 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles
Eventbrite Tickets: Chesterworkshops.eventbrite.com
Making Black America sponsored by PBS and KJAZZ
February 25, 2023 4:00pm-7:00pm
African American Cultural Center of Long Beach 4321 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Gatherings of family and friends of all ages are a part of my childhood memories. These gatherings were filled with delicious soul food, stimulating conversation, and dancing to blues, jazz, and R&B. “We were dancing swing but we just called it dancing or ‘cutting a rug’!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laswingdanceposse.org
- Instagram: laswingdanceposse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laswingdanceposse
Image Credits
Photo with 3 women dancing – Jennifer Stockert, Photographer
