Most famous for his film and stage performances in the 1930s and 1940s with the Harlem-based Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, Minns worked throughout his life to promote the dances that he and his cohorts helped to pioneer at New York's Savoy Ballroom.
This sensational show brought together Lindy Hop veterans such as Billy Ricker, Al Minns, and Frankie Manning, reigniting their passion and sparking a new wave of enthusiasm for the dance.
[2] Schulz also played a vital role in managing Al Minns and Sugar Sullivan, promoting Lindy Hop in NYC when the scene was virtually nonexistent.
Their purpose was to seek out original Lindy Hoppers and specifically learn from Al Minns, who happened to be teaching at SCDC during one of the Saturday afternoon dance classes.
[3] Later, in 1986, they brought Frankie Manning and other original Savoy Ballroom dancers to Herräng Dance Camp, contributing to the spread of Lindy Hop's revival worldwide.