Powell Films
Powell Films
Currently in Development
Lindy Hop
Presents
Lindy Hop
Genre: Romance, Period Drama.
Themes: Forbidden Love, Dance.
Status: Completed Screenplay.
Set against the backdrop of the birth of swing music and the world-famous Savoy ballroom in 1930s Harlem, a black Lindy Hop dancer falls in love with a wealthy white socialite from the upper east side. Inspired by a true story, “Lindy Hop” captures the Swing Era's golden age through the eyes of one of the elite Savoy Lindy Hoppers as he embarks on a defiant quest to pursue forbidden love, proving that love conquers all.
WGA Registration #2176302
The Setting
In the oppressive climate of the deep South during the 1940s, countless African Americans headed northward, igniting the onset of "The Great Migration." Harlem emerged as a beacon for these racial refugees, and the Savoy Ballroom stood as a hallowed haven in Harlem, a vibrant epicenter where the African American community could revel in the exhilarating rhythms of the era's finest big bands, including the legendary orchestras of Chick Webb and Benny Goodman.
The Savoy wasn't merely renowned for its illustrious musical acts; it was hailed as the cradle of swing dancing, and more notably, the Lindy Hop—a dynamic and athletically charged dance phenomenon. Distinguished as the nation's sole integrated ballroom, the Savoy shattered societal norms, fostering an unprecedented milieu where black and white patrons could mingle and dance in unison. Unlike the Cotton Club, where African American talent performed for an exclusively white, affluent audience without the possibility of participation, the Savoy drew a diverse crowd, including white socialites drawn irresistibly to the prowess of the finest black dancers.
Within the sanctified confines of the Savoy, the unthinkable became reality—a black man could gracefully dance with a white woman, a simple act of joy that, beyond its walls, could precipitate dire consequences, ranging from arrest to violence, or even death. It is within this poignant juxtaposition of liberation and oppression, unity and division, that our narrative unfolds.
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The Story
By day, Willy James is an unassuming bootblack, toiling away on the bustling streets of Harlem. Yet, as dusk falls, he transforms, entering the enchanting realm of the Savoy Ballroom. In this vibrant world, he shines as a luminary among the Savoy Lindy Hoppers—a diverse troupe of domestic workers, cooks, and laborers who, despite their humble professions, rank among the most extraordinary dancers in New York City. On a Saturday night, pulsating with the alluring rhythms of Chick Webb's swing orchestra, the atmosphere is electric. The predominantly African American dancers engage in a sensual symphony of movement, their bodies echoing the music's soulful cadence.
In the Ballroom's shadowy corners, near the pulsating heart of the bandstand, lies Cat's Corner—a hallowed ground reserved for the elite, where only the finest dancers dare to showcase their prowess. Here, the energy is palpable, the dancers' movements a high-octane spectacle of acrobatic feats and intricate choreography, their connection primal and unbridled. As they dance, a dynamic exchange unfolds with the musicians, their steps a challenge met with the band's vibrant retorts of brass and percussion.
On this destiny-filled evening, Willy's world collides with that of Rose, a sophisticated white socialite. Despite his experience teaching the Lindy Hop at the Alhambra ballroom, Willy has never before taken a white woman as his dance partner. Yet, under the spell of Chick Webb's intoxicating beats, any initial reservations dissipate, giving way to a dance floor romance.
Rose, though adept, brings a distinct "jitterbug" flair to her movements—a stark contrast to the Harlem Lindy style that draws amusement from Willy. Nonetheless, a magical connection ignites between them. Their dance concludes with a fleeting, shared moment before Rose vanishes into the throng, leaving behind a spark that threatens to ignite a conflagration.
This encounter serves as the spark for an improbable romance, challenging the era's rigid racial boundaries. Willy stands at the precipice, confronted with a choice: to pursue a love that defies societal norms and the draconian codes segregating black men from white women. The question looms—how far is Willy willing to go for a love that transcends class, color, and convention?
Lindy Hop Trailer
The video below provides a preview of some key plot points in the film, "Lindy Hop." The scenes and other elements are only intended to demonstrate the strength of the story.
