Talks – Camp Hollywood

Panels and Talks

We’re pleased to offer a variety of community talks and panels at Camp Hollywood! Thanks to the Pacific Swing Dance Foundation for their help and support. All talks and panels meet in Pacific 4 and 5.

Friday, 12:30 – 2:30 PM

Dawn Hampton – The Light is On!

Before becoming a beloved figure in the Lindy Hop community, Dawn Hampton had already lived an extraordinary life. Growing up, she played saxophone in her family’s band, performed at the Savoy Ballroom and starred Off-Broadway. Dawn later sang alongside Bette Midler and Barry Manilow for the nearly naked patrons of New York’s legendary gay Continental Baths, and Lindy Hopped alongisde Frankie Manning in Spike Lee’s film Malcolm X, to name a few accomplishments.

Though not LGBTQ herself, Dawn often challenged convention at a time when dance roles were often closely tied to gender. Throughout the 1980’s and ’90s, Dawn regularly danced both roles and performed with women and queer partners. Her dancing often favored musical expression over binary lead and follow roles years before the terms “switch dancing” or “open role” existed. As Dawn often said, “If you’re looking for dance steps … I don’t do that. You’ve got to put some of you into what you’re doing.” Her “above all else – be yourself” message has continued to inspire diversity in authentic self-expression on dance floors around the globe to this day.

Join us as we explore Dawn’s remarkable life, artistry, and enduring legacy on the 10th anniversary of her passing. Presented by Adam Brozowski.

Saturday, 12:30 – 2:30 PM:

Beyond the Ballroom with Barbara Billups and Sugar Sullivan

Two Savoy legends and lifelong best friends, Barbara Billups and Sugar Sullivan, sit down for a conversation that steps off the dance floor. Beyond the routines and the records, who were they as women navigating Harlem — friendship, work, family, and everyday life in their era? This is a rare chance to hear the personal stories behind the icons, the ones that don’t usually make it into dance history.

Ms. Sugar was a member of the Original Jazz Dancers, a distinguished group of Lindy Hoppers and Hoofers from Harlem’s heyday, and has been featured with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, Cab Calloway’s Hi-De-Ho Orchestra, and Panama Francis and his Savoy Sultans, among others.

Ms. Barbara is a former Savoy Ballroom dancer and Harvest Moon Ball Champion, as well as a former partner with the dance group Sonny Allen and the Rockets.

They met at the Savoy Ballroom in the early fifties and have performed across the USA, as well as Canada with Sonny Allen and the Rockets. They’ve taught in Houston, Texas, Seattle, Washington, and Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden.

Sunday, 12:30 -2:00 PM:

All the Things About Competitions!

Panel discussion with Head Judge Tise Chao, Tabulator Scott Angelius, and Head DJ Shana Worel

Have you ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of dance competitions? What are the judges looking for? How do the DJs pick the contest music? And what is relative placement, anyway? Get this inside look into just what goes into making your dance contests as fun and fair as possible with the folks that make them possible.