Leon James (dancer)


Leon James was a prominent American Lindy Hop and jazz dancer. A performer during the 1930s and 1940s with the Harlem-based Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, he and partner Willa Mae Ricker were featured in a photo essay in the August 23, 1943 issue of LIFE Magazine, demonstrating air steps.
In 1935, Leon James and Edith Matthews won the Harvest Moon Ball.
Due to poor eyesight, James wasn't drafted during World War II.
During the 1950s and '60s, Leon James partnered with Al Minns to promote the dances they helped to pioneer, appearing at dance events, in short films and on TV.

Filmography