Norma Miller, raised across the street from Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom and a star Lindy Hop dancer on its stage by the time she was a teenager, has died at the age of 99. Touring the U.S. in the 1930s and '40s with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers and appearing in such movies as "Hellzapoppin'," she became known as the "Queen of Swing."
To celebrate her life, a number of local and international organizations–Miller taught the Lindy Hop in Sweden in her later years–are coming together and hosting events this weekend. It all kicks off this Friday with a viewing in Harlem and ends with a big dance party at the Alhambra Ballroom:
•Viewing at St. James Presbyterian Church, 409 W 141st St and St. Nicholas Ave
Friday, May 24 10am-1pm
•Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4199 Webster Ave, the Bronx
Friday, May 24 at 2pm
The viewing at Harlem's St. James Presbyterian Church will be followed by the burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. Free buses will take guests to the cemetery, but you must reserve a spot.
Sugar Hill Children's Museum, 898 St. Nicholas Ave and W 155th St
Friday, May 24 at 7pm
Early birds can catch the "Harlem's Lindy Hop Heritage" panel at 7pm, followed by live music and Swing dancing until midnight.
Photo: Joe Mabel/Century Ballroom
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave and 76th St
Saturday, May 25 at 6:30pm
Activities at this Lindy Hop dance party will pay tribute to Miller, including a workshop teaching the legend's dance routines.
Alhambra Ballroom, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd and W 126th St
Sunday, May 26 at 7pm
Featuring live music from the Charles Turner III and Uptown Swing band, this dance party in the heart of Harlem will celebrate the friendship of Miller and fellow Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning.
