Press Release

Tokyo Swing Dance Society
Press Release
December, 1999


The Tokyo Swing Dance Society (TSDS) was established by Hiroyuki Yamada in
March 1998. The group dedicates to promote "Lindy Hop", which is the origin
of Swing Dance.  Our proud adviser to the board of the society is the master
of "Lindy Hop", Frankie Manning (NYC) who is at age 85, travelling all over
the world as an ambassador and the living tradition of the "Lindy". 

"Lindy Hop" is a jazz-inspired social dance originating in the U.S., which
flourished from late '20s to the mid '40s.  Along neo-swing band hits, "Lindy
Hop" went all the rage in the U.S. in '90s, now it is spreading all over the
world as well as the so called vintage fashion of the era.  

"Lindy Hop" was seen widely in recently aired Gap commercials and also
televised when The Brian Setzer Orchestra received their awards at 1998 MTV
Music Awards.  Dance-packed movies such as "Malcolm X", "The Swing Kids", and 
"The Mask" have also promoted the "Lindy". 

Members of TSDS consist of people who are eager to dance "Lindy Hop" in the
Tokyo and Yokohama areas.  Activities include weekly lessons, workshops by
top-level instructors from overseas, outdoor events and swing dance parties
with live big bands!  It is a good mix of Japanese and international
visitors.  

Our website has been receiving overwhelming response.  Our weekly classes are
bigger than ever and still growing and so is "Lindy Hopper" population in
Japan!  

For more information, please visit WWW.IMPETUS.NE.JP or contact Hiroyuki
Yamada (swing@impetus.ne.jp).