" Gold also attributes the closing to racial separation and cultural subordination in a racist society. .
Although, the Savoy was originally investigated for prostitution in January of 1943, the rumor is still that it was closed because of the integration behind closed doors. The Amsterdam News noted, "social, racial, and economic problems fade away to nothingness." .
By the 1930's the dance hall became an international commodity. Visitors must make the trip uptown to make the New York experience complete, although it was white Americans that made up most of the 30 percent of white patronage. At one point, there was even a bus tour that brought the white folks uptown to listen to true jazz and watch the Lindy Hoppers.
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.
Herbert "Whitey" White's group of swing dancers was formed from the creme de la creme of the Savoy; they were the top dancers in the top ballroom of the Swing Era. With Whitey in the background, these Harlem youngsters were catapulted into world recognition through both live performance and film. Their swing dance innovations had permanent impact on the social dance styles of the United States, Europe, Australia, and even Latin America and parts of Africa. .
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers was much more than a dance troupe. It was a training ground, which prepared the most talented social dancers of the Savoy Ballroom for professional gigs. It was also a social club, which kept the young people out of trouble by allowing them unlimited access to the Ballroom-- by day to practice, by night to dance to the best swing bands in the world.
As word got around about the sensational swing dancing at the Savoy Ballroom, requests came from downtown socialites and rich folk who wanted to have Lindy Hoppers perform at their lavish parties. Whitey, who got to know the young dancers well, was able to hand pick exciting dancers who were also socially adept and reliable. They were invariably delighted to make a few dollars doing what they loved.