My name is Sharon Davis

I am an Australian dancer, based in London.
I dance Lindy Hop, Charleston, Blues & Burlesque

email / me@sharondavis.com.au
phone / (+44) 0777 444 6100 (UK)

Archives Page

// on November 2008
Burlesque Star Sally Rand

Burlesque Star Sally Rand

Born as Harriet Helen Gould Beck, the young Sally Rand literally ran away to join a carnival as a teenager. Over the years she worked as a nighclub cigarette girl, life model, cafe dancer and stage actress (working under the name Billie Beck), before finding herself in Hollywood,...
Savoy Ballroom Timeline

Savoy Ballroom Timeline

1912: A jazz orchestra organised by James Reese Europe plays at Carnegie Hall 1913: Darktown Follies at Lafayette Theater (the “beginning” of Harlem nightlife) 1919: 369th Regiment (AKA the Harlem Hellfighters) parades up Fifth Avenue to Harlem after WWI 1920: Nationa...
1942: Jitterbug Jumps From Low To High

1942: Jitterbug Jumps From Low To High

The 12 October 1942 edition of the New York Times (page 13) gives us this little gem, an article about the New York Society of Teachers of Dancing finally accepting jitterbug – in a modified form – into the world of ballroom dance. This is the beginning of the end for...
1939: Doctor Advises Jitterbugs to Train

1939: Doctor Advises Jitterbugs to Train

A short article I found in the New York Times, 25 January 1939 edition (page 18). Advises Jitterbugs to Train Jitterbugs should train in the same way that athletes do, or face the prospect of thick ankles, broken, maladjusted feet and exhausted nervous systems, according to Dr. J...
Burlesque FAQ: What is Burlesque?

Burlesque FAQ: What is Burlesque?

Burlesque Frequently Asked Questions Part 1 What exactly is burlesque? Burlesque is the hottest trend in town, a type of performance bringing together a sizzling dance style with elaborate vintage costumes, cool retro tunes and a lot of sassy fun! Burlesque as an entertainment ar...
The Lindy Hoppers Fund

The Lindy Hoppers Fund

If you’re a swing dancer and you haven’t heard about The Lindy Hopper’s Fund yet, this is dead important. Essentially, it’s a not-for-profit organisation run by a group of passionate and caring Lindy Hoppers (including many names you’ll know well), t...
1943: Jitterbug Accepted as Ballroom Dance

1943: Jitterbug Accepted as Ballroom Dance

Ahh, how the times were a-changing. In contrast to some of those scathing anti-jitterbug articles from the 20s and 30s that I’ve already posted, here is an article from the 20th September 1943 edition of the New York Times (page 23): Jitterbug Accepted as Ballroom Dance New...
1938: Archbishop Warns of Effects of Swing on Youth

1938: Archbishop Warns of Effects of Swing on Youth

Here is a charming article from the New York Times on 26th October 1938 (page 20). My favourite bit is “cannibalistic rhythmic orgies” – cannibalistic? Wow. Again, I guess I’m going straight to hell.  The full article reads: WARNS OF EFFECTS OF ‘SWIN...
1933: Dixie Dance Hall Closes, Savoy Remains One of a Kind

1933: Dixie Dance Hall Closes, Savoy Remains One of a Kind

A 1933 newspaper article from the New York Amsterdam News (May 3rd). This one headlined “Dixie Dance Hall Closes, Savoy Remains One of its Kind.” Click on the thumbnail below to view the scan of the original newspaper article: The article reads: Dixie Dance Hall Close...
1921: Does Jazz Put the Sin in Syncopation?

1921: Does Jazz Put the Sin in Syncopation?

I just adore this article from the August 1921 edition of the Ladies Home Journal (pages 16-34). It was written by Anne Shaw Faulkner, head of the Music Department of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. According to Miss Faulkner, I am clearly going to hell. Enjoy! Doe...