I decided to name my timeline grit since I believe that is what these social dances represent. Even in times of massive suffering and oppression, these social dances are proof of the life that survived in spite of the systems of oppression meant to hold Black Americans in a perpetual cycle of subjugation.
Slide 1: Capitalism/Imperialism/Profit System
Source: Music is a Great Investment, South Africa (MIAGI)
This specific video is from May 2008. It is called “About Ciacona & Tshikona – Dance from North and South”. It was performed by the Intercultural Composition for Venda Ngoma Drummers and Dancers, Kudu-Horns and Classical Orchestra was by South African composer Hans Huyssen.
Connection of Dance to Social Movement:
The Reed Pipe dance was the foundational dance for all proceeding Black dance movements seen during and after the plantation system as well as foundational for the orchestral practices of Europe. This mirrors the long-lasting and foundational effects of these ideologies that largely serve as the root for all movements involving environmental racism.
Slide 2: Transatlantic Slave Trade
This was a juba dance choreographed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance to Symphony No. 1 by Florence Price.
Connection of Dance to Social Movement:
The roots of Juba dance are from West Africa, then it was brought to the West Indies and modified slightly before ending up in American plantations. From there, William Henry Lane, better known as Master Juba, pioneered the Juba dance into other dance movements: tap dancing, Hambone, the Charleston, etc. These dance movements were brought into English high society. Therefore, Juba dance mirrored the same cultural movement as the forced migration of the Triangle trade.
Slide 3: Plantation System
Source: Georgia Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
This church ritual was intensely focused on community and shared communication. There is no set technique or movement style, rather, a representation of the general social gathering. In this way, Ring Shout Dance draws on the inspirations of Reed Pipe Dance. I connected this with the Plantation System because it has a focus on the community and seeing people as a monolith, which was done as a sign of community by the enslaved peoples but also as a sign of dehumanization by white Americans.
Slide 4: Civil War and Reconstruction
Performed by Whiter’s Lindy Hoppers
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
This partnered social dance originated in Black communities of Harlem during the 1920s-1930s. The energetic movements that define the dance style mirror the general energy during Reconstruction. Lindy Hop was special because it marked an important time when Black creatives were being recognized during the Harlem Renaissance, a similar spirit to the era of Radical Reconstruction. However, time was fleeting and the creative movement was largely destroyed by forcibly enlisting Black males into the war, mirroring the same pattern of dashed hope with Reconstruction.
Slide 5: Jim Crow
Source: “The Twist” by Chubby Checker (1960)
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
The twist originated from the pelvic movements native to the Congo that were then brought to America during slavery. The Twist is a perfect example of appropriation by white society from Black communities that allow for further white profit. This dance style signifies the degradation of Black communities in favor of white prosperity that was the hallmark of the Jim Crow era.
Slide 6: Civil Rights Movement
Originally from American Mutoscope and Biograph Company (1903)
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
This was a comical social dance performed in 19th century plantations before and after emancipation. This is an overt mockery of white mannered dances that were typical of slave masters. Ultimately, the dance represents a system of resistance and the ability of Black Americans to be incredibly creative in the face of intense adversity.
Slide 7: Dumping and Disrepair of Black Communities
Source: “New Second Line” by Camille A. Brown
This originally was shown through the Ted Talk youtube channel in 2018.
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
This dance was choreographed as a celebration of New Orleans culture and the perseverance of Black people after Hurricane Katrina. The dance involves brass band parades typically used for weddings, social events, and funerals. I connected this specific piece to the dumping and disrepair of Black communities because it was able to represent the emotional repercussions of labelling areas as sacrifice zones.
Slide 8: Movement Towards the Future
Source: “Carnival of Rhythm” by Katherine Dunham (1941)
Connection from Dance to Social Movement:
Katherine Dunham is a pioneering anthropologist from UChicago and widely known as the mother of modern dance. She is largely celebrated for bringing attention to the Black roots of all dance and attributing these origins in her technique. Even though she rose to prominence a long time ago, she represents the spirit of progress because of her ability to take back ownership of social dance movements from white codifiers.