african american dance

Provides biographical and historical information on a group of African-American artists who worked during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s to legitimize dance of the African diaspora as a serious art form.

Explores the dance traditions of African-Americans, from their origins in the expressive dances that the slaves brought from Africa through the development of jazz and tap to modern dance and ballet.

Describes the history of jazz tap in America, tracing the origins of tap to the dances and rhythms of Africa, and discusses the contributions of tap to modern dance styles.

A history of Black dance from its origins in Africa to its integration with ballet and modern dance.

Describes the contributions of the men and women who have put Black dance and dancers in the spotlight.

Traces the history of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from its origins as a small, multiracial company in the early 1960s to national and international fame; discusses the troupe's association with civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights movements; and looks at some of the company's most celebrated dances.

A history of the African-American contribution to dance, discussing the role of dance during slavery, its place in the minstrel and traveling shows, its connection to the big band sound, and contemporary reinterpretations of African-American movement in vocal harmony groups, marching bands, and Greek step teams.

Provides a pictorial history of African-American dance that traces its roots to the time of slavery; and describes ceremonial dances from African tribes, the early minstrel shows featuring both white and African-American performers, vaudeville and dance halls, and movies.