An Update on our Anti-Racism and Education Actions

In 2021 we published our anti-racism and education statement along with 8 actions. The aim of these actions is to hold us accountable to our statement. We have learnt so much over the past two years, and of course are still learning how best to honour the history and culture of Vernacular Jazz, and expand our rooted dance practices. Here’s an update on how our actions have been going.

Action 1: Initiate a BLM and anti-racist education subgroup within our troupe.

How is it going: Completed
We have set up a BLM, Education and History subgroup and they have been a driving force behind our anti-racism actions below. They have a great project in the pipeline for 2023, we can’t wait to share it with you!

Action 2: Learn the history of the dance’s movements and musical connection in order to preserve the original spirit of Jazz.

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
Our troupe leaders have been teaching sessions which explore and celebrate the pioneers in Vernacular Jazz. We have been studying old clips of dancers, singers and musicians, as well as developing our rooted Jazz disciplines such as musicality and improvisation. Since we set these actions, we have studied the movement of Nikki O’Daniel, The Sepia Steppers, Mabel Lee, Marie Bryant, John Bubbles, Al Minns and Leon James, as well as performances from Soundies such as The Lonesome Road (1941), Block Party Revels (1943), and Carolina Blues (1944). In 2023 we will continue our history education during our practice sessions.

Action 3: Create an internal resource regarding the dance’s history that troupe members can collaborate on and refer to at any time.

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
We have created an internal resource for our troupe on our private Facebook group, compiling all our resources using the hashtag #jazzrootsstudygroup. Our team members have been sharing clips, articles, podcasts, and panel discussions related to the history and culture of Vernacular Jazz. In 2023 we will continue to share interesting anti-racist, educational resources with each other.

Action 4: Donate regularly to Black community groups in and around Newham (London).

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
We will update this pledge as we are no longer based in Newham. This past year we have been donating 10% of our members’ subscriptions to IRIE! Dance Theatre, who aim to heighten the profile of Black dance in Britain. In 2023 we will be selecting two new charities to support.

Action 5. Share educational resources and research on Black female Jazz artists through history.

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
In 2022 we focused on spotlighting Ella Fitzgerald, publishing new public posts on Instagram and our website, along with two community performances to Ella songs (one on the week of her birthday). We have made sure all our previous ‘History Spotlight’ Instagram stories are available as highlights on our profile. In 2023 we are developing a project to share with the Swing Dance community which will celebrate the lives of Black female Jazz artists.

Action 6. Curate useful anti-racist and BLM resources from within the Swing Dance community.

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
Our website now has a Resources page which links to anti-racist arts organisations and discussions from the Swing community, and to history resources available in books, articles, podcasts, and Instagram accounts. In 2023 we will continue to add to this valuable resource page.

Action 7. Identify and discuss problematic vintage songs and words

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
We’re always keeping this in mind, learning the origins of dance moves and why they are named (or renamed) the way they are during our practice sessions. In 2023 we will merge this action into Action 3 and Action 6.

Action 8. Identify ways to improve our troupe’s diversity.

How is it going: Initiated and Ongoing
We have been working to remove barriers that may prevent some people from being able to join the troupe. This included offering scholarship or discounted membership subscriptions during our last auditions. We’ve also been making sure our decisions on where to compete or perform prioritise the safety of our marginalised troupe members. In 2023 we will be working on community building by initiating a new Swing Community subgroup. This group will find ways to positively engage with wider Swing Dance communities, both as a team and as individuals.

We plan to create an updated list of actions to keep us moving forward with our anti-racism and education pledge, and will publish the new actions list in March 2023.