Swing on the Water – Enjoy Today With a Dance Back in Time By Arturo Garcia-Ayala
Swing on the Water – Enjoy Today With a Dance Back in Time
By Arturo Garcia-Ayala
The historic Merchant Marine vessel, the S.S. Lane Victory, which carried supplies from ports like Los Angeles to U.S. and allied troops fighting in the Pacific, was the site of a 1940’s inspired nautical themed event called the L.A. Harbor Hop, where people of all walks of life came together once again to do what they have not done in two years — Swing dance.
Shannon Mac, Lead Singer of the Moontones
Keith Azoubel, the event organizer, chose the S.S. Lane Victory for its strong connection to the World War II-era. He along with the dedicated ship’s crew transformed the deck of the old transport carrier into a vibrant venue complete with a dance floor and musical stage for featured performances resembling an old-fashioned USO morale party for the troops.
The Swing Dance style, The Lindy Hop
L.A. Harbor Hop was advertised mainly through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram to the wide Swing Dance community. As well as to various vintage clothing shops throughout Southern California like the SneakyTiki in Long Beach and Elsewhere Vintage in Orange where Swing dancers seeking vintage clothing mostly patronize. The result was those in attendance, ready to hit the dance floor, all arrived in period attire resembling the World War II generation in their youth.
The Satin Dollz
Styles like the Lindy Hop, the Jitterbug, Collegiate Shag, the Jive, Balboa, the Bal-swing, all dances of a celebrated yet bygone era were brought to life through the musical talents of the captivating Shannon Mac of the Moontones followed by the energetic and glamourous the Satin Dollz.
World War II-era U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Tropical White Uniform
There are many parallels between now and when the “Greatest Generation” as they are now commonly known also walked along the vast Los Angeles waterfront. Most were battle weary, putting their lives on hold, they too looked forward to the day they could live again with ease. Eventually, after four long years of struggle — victory was declared. Rising cheers of jubilation followed by celebration. Swing was their catharsis — their release of spirit.
If you were to ask any person on the S.S. Lane Victory in attendance if there was more meaning to the first L.A. Harbor Hop event in two years, they would just shrug off nonchalantly and say, “we’re just here to dance.” And so they did, until sundown. This event was March 26, 2022.
Keith Azoubel is the event coordinator for the L.A. Harbor Hop, you can follow their group on Instagram @the_la_harborhop
Shannon Mac is the lead singer for the band the Moontones, you can follow her on Instagram @missmacofficial and @themoontones
The Satin Dollz is a 1940’s inspired pin-up musical performance group, you can follow them on Instagram @satindollz
Arturo Garcia-Ayala is originally from San Diego. He served in the U.S. Army for six years as an Infantryman, being deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently, he works as a freelance photojournalist for various media organizations in the Los Angeles Harbor Area and as an event photographer for private events and commissions. Winner of the 2019 Point Fermin Lighthouse Photo Contest in the category of "Lighthouse and Ocean." A proud member of the San Pedro Photographers Association.
