Telling a riveting true story of the emergence and development of an American icon, this book traces swing dancing from its origins to its status as a modern-day art form. From its unlikely origins in the African slave trade, one of the saddest chapters of American history, swing dance emerged as a celebration of the soul. Swing is now recognized around the globe as a joyous partnered dance, uniquely Afro-American in origin and an American treasure. This book examines how the original swing style of the 1920s, the Lindy Hop, branched out and evolved with the changing dynamics of popular culture, paralleling the development of the nation. Swing Dancing covers the dance through the years of minstrelsy, the jazz age, the big band era, bebop, and the decline of partnered dancing in the 1960s. Swing experts and instructors Tamara and Erin Stevens have combined a compelling historic examination of swing dance with an assortment of riveting personal interviews and photographic documentation to create a comprehensive reference book on this important art form. Contains insights from personal interviews with a variety of prominent dancers, scholars, and historians Presents a chronology of the emergence of vernacular American dancing and the development of swing, from colonial times to the present day Includes numerous illustrations and photographs depicting the diverse influences on the genre, from legendary musicians to iconic swing dancers and more Contains a select bibliography of diverse source material, such as books, films, and magazine and newspaper articles Provides a helpful index offering access to names, places, people, and all important subjects

The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach--showing God's love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled, is culturally relevant, and values people. The goal should be to invite people to take the next step from where they are.

Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The church's most radical kindness project is Nashville Strip Church, founded by Erin Stevens. Erin's life changed when God told her to "go feed the strippers." With home-cooked meals and gift bags, Erin shows dancers that God loves them. "How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness" includes the story of a dancer who has come to know Christ, left the strip club industry through Erin's ministry, and is now serving with Erin to reach other strippers.

From feeding the homeless, to Easter egg hunts for special needs children, to ministering in a strip club, "How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness" provides exciting ideas for showing God's love in practical ways.

Features include:

Stories from kindness outreach events, including Strip ChurchIdeas for showing God's love in practical waysInspiration to step out of your comfort zone to serve people