Charles Peterson's "Breakaway" Silver Gelatin Print
Taken in the summer of 1941 by famous Jazz photographer Charles Peterson, this image captures Lindy Hoppers Billy Ricker and Norma Miller in a striking stance as dancers from the Savoy Ballroom look on.
Norma Miller and Billy Ricker's dance step is similar to one they executed in the motion picture Hellzapoppin' in the same year. "Breakaway" is the original title given by the photographer.
This stunning image was scanned directly from the original negative in the Charles Peterson archive and is printed on genuine ILFORD Black and White silver gelatin photographic paper. The large 20" x 16" print shows amazing detail and is perfect for framing. The text reads, "Charles Peterson - Breakaway - Billy Ricker & Norma Miller - Savoy Ballroom, Summer 1941."
At Beantown Lindy Hop Camp 2010, Norma Miller was presented the first newly-printed copy of The Breakaway as a gift. Very grateful and happy to see the photo, she reminisced about her times at the Savoy with partner Billy Ricker. She mentioned this photo was taken shortly before she and other members of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on an extended performance trip, which was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II.