n this video, we’ll explore one of Mable Lee’s signature movements, which I consider to be another version of the Tackie Annie, a classic vernacular jazz step.

Mable Lee (1921–2019) was an American jazz dancer, tap dancer, singer, and entertainer, best known as the “Queen of the Soundies” for her appearances in more than 100 of these short musical films during the 1940s. She began performing as a child, later worked at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, appeared on Broadway, and continued dancing and teaching throughout her life.

What I particularly love about Mable’s approach is how much of the movement comes from the waist and hips. There’s something so distinctive about the way she connects the lower and upper body, creating a movement that feels rhythmic, grounded, and full of personality.

We’ll break down the movement and practice the rhythm, focusing separately on the hips and the upper body, before bringing everything together.

The goal is to understand Mable’s approach while also exploring how you can find your own way into the movement.

Focus: Rhythm · Hips · Upper body · Coordination · Individuality
Inspiration: Mable Lee
Level: All levels

All of this was filmed at the beautiful Kmita dance studios in Kraków.