THE SHIM SHAM ROUTINE
The Shim Sham routine is a jazz line dance that originated in the early 20th century in Black American communities in Harlem, New York.
Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant are credited with choreographing the Shim Sham, a dance routine that incorporates "standard" steps from the 1920s era and was originally known as "Goofus", it was renamed after the Shim Sham club in Harlem.
The routine, set to the tune "Turkey in the Straw," features eight bars each of the Double Shuffle, the Cross Over, Tack Annie, and Falling Off a Log. The Shim Sham Shimmy was typically performed at the end of shows and involved all the musicians, singers, and dancers on stage.
The Shim Sham routine gained popularity during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s, when it was performed by dancers at various jazz and swing clubs around the country. It was commonly performed as a group dance, with dancers lining up in rows and performing the routine in unison.
Over time, the Shim Sham routine became an iconic part of jazz and swing culture, and it continues to be performed today by dancers around the world. It has been adapted and modified by various dance communities, with different versions of the routine incorporating additional steps and variations.
Frankie Manning was a legendary dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in popularizing the Shim Sham routine within the swing dance community. Manning was a leading dancer during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s, and he is widely credited with helping to develop and refine many of the signature moves and steps associated with swing dance styles.
Manning was a member of the Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a group of dancers who performed at the famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem during the 1930s. He was known for his innovative choreography and his ability to blend different dance styles and techniques into his routines.
Manning learned and performed during his time at the Savoy Ballroom. He is credited with adding several new steps and variations to the routine, including the Boogie Backstep and the Half Breaks.
