Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact

Lindy Hoppers Fund
P.O. Box 1446
Houston, TX 77251-1446
tena@lindyhoppersfund.org

Lindy Hopper's Fund Launches National Human Services Organization

Houston, Texas—March 1, 2008—Dedicated to providing assistance to the elderly generation of swing dancers, the Lindy Hoppers Fund of America launches a new non-profit organization on Saturday, March 15th, 2008, beginning at 9pm at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel.

The Lindy Hopper's Fund of America offers a comprehensive program designed to meet critical needs of swing dancers over the age of 62. The Lindy Hopper's Fund will provide crisis intervention, individual and family needs assessments, and development of long-term plans, including ongoing support, education, information and referrals, as well as financial assistance for essential living expenses such as rent, utilities or medical costs to individuals who qualify.

The Lindy Hopper's Fund Kicks off March 15th during the Houston Swing Dance Society's annual weekend workshop, The Great Southwest Lindyfest. This workshop attracts over three hundred dancers from around the world to attend classes with champion level instructors and living legends like Frankie Manning, Tony award winning choreographer and author of Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop. Instructors participating in the Lindyfest workshop have agreed to donate a portion of their fees directly to the Lindy Hoppers Fund. HSDS will match 100% of instructor contributions, as well as any donations raised during the weekend workshop.

Swing dancing grew out of the influences of big band music and African-American culture in the 1930s with its epicenter being the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. Many of the dancers at the Savoy Ballroom became professionals, hired to perform in now classic films like A Day at the Races, Broadway productions and with band leaders like Chick Webb, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.

Swing dancing is still a widely popular and pervasive dance seen everywhere from weddings and celebratory parties, to movies such as Idlewild and Malcolm X, hit Broadway productions like Swing! and Black and Blue, and featured on TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. Swing dancing is all around us and has been entertaining people for generations.

For more information, Contact:
www.hsds.org
or email tena@lindyhoppersfund.org

 

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