Community comes together for swinging music video celebrating Malaysia
IN the heart of Kuala Lumpur, a unique story unfolds – a tale of rhythm, connection and the spirit of a nation.
Lindy Hop, a dance born in Harlem, New York City in the US, has found a home in the melting pot of Malaysia under the tight-knit community of KL Swing.
KL Swing has been keeping this flame alive for 16 years.
Their weekly gatherings are more than just dance lessons; they are a shared passion for the improvised dance form.
Then came The Frankie Sixes, a band of jazz virtuosos led by Anugerah Industri Muzik award-winning singer-songwriter Reza Salleh.
Their music, a fusion of traditional jazz and contemporary Malaysian influences, was a perfect match for the energetic spirit of Lindy Hop.
As they play, the dancers’ feet tap in unison, their bodies swaying in harmony with the music.
To make it more special, they have decided to combine their efforts for a music video for National Day and Malaysia Day – a visual testament to their journey.
Reza (right) and Iylia are behind the video ‘You Know I Like You’ featuring upbeat Lindy Hop rhythms in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
With the streets of Kuala Lumpur as their stage, dancers from all walks of life, race and religion, young and old, come together to share their love for Lindy Hop.
The camera captures their infectious joy as they dance to the upbeat rhythms of You Know I Like You set to be released on YouTube on Aug 22.
The Frankie Sixes is a local swing jazz band formed by Reza with jazz circuit regulars Hin Ee Jeng, KJ Wong, Che Wan, Eddy Lim and Isaac Marvin.
Starting out as a side project for the community, Reza said the band prided itself on writing original Malaysian swing jazz, which they were bringing to international “Lindy” communities in Taiwan, Thailand and China in October.
“Just by its infectious and happy nature, Lindy Hop became popular.
“It is a lot of fun; if you see photos of the Lindy Hop anywhere, they are joyful photos,” enthused Reza.
He said the video utilised the third single from The Frankie Sixes’ debut album, which was the first swing jazz song he attempted to write with the band.
“I don’t come from a jazz background, but the band members do.
“The song is in line with the fun, expressive part of Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop dancers coming together as a community is now part of the fabric of Malaysia. — Courtesy photo
“My co-writer, a pianist, interprets my melodies in the appropriate jazz language,” he added.
Iylia Zafri from KL Swing said Lindy Hop dancers in the community jumped at the opportunity to come together and be part of the video, which was choreographed by Jenn Song and filmed at various locations in Kuala Lumpur.
“This in itself is a community-building activity.
“We have noticed different personalities in each of the Lindy Hop communities, with Kuala Lumpur having its own community-centric persona.
“Some people find a sense of belonging and friends doing this.
“It’s a freedom of expression for a lot of people.
“Reza and the band play such an important role in the community, their music brings people together.”
The music video, Iylia said, featured people from various backgrounds, and not only Malaysians.
“There are people from other countries living and working here who are featured.
“Almost every week we have a visitor in our social dancing sessions.”
KL Swing organises dance lessons for Lindy Hop three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at different locations in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
“We have social dancing with taster sessions on Friday nights where anyone can come and learn the basic steps.
“The fee for a taster class and social is RM30.
“We try to make it accessible to everyone,” added Iylia.
