Chazz Young
Charles "Chazz" Young[1] (born November 8, 1932) is an American choreographer and teacher of tap dance.
Chazz Young | |
|---|---|
 Young at Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap, Century Ballroom, Seattle, Washington, 14 August 2009 | |
| Born | Charles Young November 8, 1932 |
| Occupation(s) | Choreographer Dancer |
| Spouse | Rheda |
| Parent | Frankie Manning |
Early life and education
Young was born to father Frankie Manning, a dancer during the swing era, and mother Dorothy Young.[2]
In 1943, at the age of 11, he saw his father, who was a member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, perform for the first time.[2]
Young would practice dancing in the hallways during the lunch hour at school, while waiting for the train, and on the marble stoops.[3]
He learned tap dancing at the Mary Bruce School in Harlem, which is where he met his wife, Rheda.[3]
In 1956, he graduated from the New York School for the Performing Arts.[3]
Career
After graduating in 1956, Young and his wife joined Norma Miller and Her Jazzmen, formed by Norma Miller. Young was a member of the group for 14 years.[3][4]
Young temporarily stopped dancing professionally after rock and roll became popular and clubs stopped hiring him. From the late 1960s through 1994, Young worked in a post office.[3]
In 1992, Young was a dance assistant in Spike Lee's film Malcolm X.
Young has presented at Herräng Dance Camp[5] and has taught in Malaysia.[6]
Documentary appearances
| Year | Documentary |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Swing Invasion |
| 2010 | Frankie Manning: Ambassador of the Lindy Hop |
| 2016 | Alive and Kicking |
References
- JOHNSON, CAROLL L. "1930s Dance Revival". Library of Congress.
- Manning, Frankie; Millman, Cynthia (2007). Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. ISBN 978-1-59213-563-9.
- RIMER, SARA (September 2, 1987). "About New York; Echoes of Past Infuse Dancers With Rhapsody". The New York Times.
- DOYLE, DOUG (May 6, 2019). "WBGO Remembers Legendary Lindy Hopper Norma Miller". WBGO.
- "Herrang Dance Camp: Special Guests". Herrang Dance Camp.
- Heng, Natalie (April 3, 2013). "Young at heart". The Star.
