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Harlem hoofer to visit mallBy JON WILSON, Times Staff Writer© St. Petersburg Times published December 11, 2002 PINELLAS PARK -- Renowned jazz dancer Norma Miller, one of Harlem's original Lindy Hop artists, will sign her autobiography and conduct a dance workshop Saturday at the Savoy South Dance Hall, 7200 34th St. N inside ParkSide Mall. Miller will present a lecture and video and sign Swingin' at the Savoy from 1 until 3:30 p.m. A Lindy Hop workshop is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the entire day, or $12 for the lecture and book signing. The books are $21.95. Discovered at age 14, Miller was too young to dance inside New York City's Savoy Ballroom and would perform her steps on the sidewalk outside. According to lore, Lindy Hopper George Ganaway, known as "Twistmouth George," spotted Miller on the sidewalk, dragged her inside the Savoy and won the day's dance contest. It launched Miller's career with Herbert "Whitey" White's Lindy Hoppers when White found a way to keep the young dancer out of trouble with the authorities. Miller, 83, went on to a long show business career, forming her own dance company during the 1940s. She performed with a group called the Del Rio Trio during the 1950s and worked for about 10 years as a Las Vegas comedian with Redd Foxx. She appeared on Foxx's television show, Sanford and Son. She also appeared in the movie Malcolm X, Spike Lee's 1992 film. For information, call 528-6885.
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