🪩Dance in American Cultures Unit 3 – European Dance Influences in America

Historical Context

• European colonization of the Americas began in the late 15th century, leading to the introduction of European dance traditions to the New World
• Early settlers brought with them various dance styles from their respective countries (England, France, Spain)
• Slave trade forcibly brought Africans to the Americas, resulting in the fusion of African and European dance elements
• Industrialization in the 19th century led to the rise of urban centers and the development of new social dance forms
  • Increased leisure time and disposable income allowed for greater participation in dance activities
  • Technological advancements (phonograph, radio) facilitated the spread of popular dance music and styles
• Immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought diverse European dance influences to the United States
  • Irish, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants contributed to the melting pot of dance cultures

European Dance Traditions

• Ballet, originating in the Italian Renaissance courts and refined in France, became a foundation for many American dance styles
  • Emphasis on grace, precision, and storytelling through movement
  • Influenced the development of Broadway dance and Hollywood musicals
• Folk dances from various European countries were brought to America by immigrants
  • Irish step dancing, characterized by rapid foot movements and rigid upper body, gained popularity in the US
  • Polish polka, a lively partner dance, became a staple at weddings and festivals
  • Spanish flamenco, with its passionate and expressive movements, influenced Latin American dance styles
• Ballroom dances, such as the waltz and foxtrot, were imported from Europe and became popular in American social settings
  • These dances emphasized partnership, elegance, and social etiquette
• European court dances, like the minuet and gavotte, were adapted for American audiences and incorporated into early American social events

Migration and Cultural Exchange

• The transatlantic slave trade brought African dance traditions to the Americas, which heavily influenced the development of American dance
  • African rhythms, polyrhythms, and call-and-response patterns were incorporated into new dance forms
  • Dances like the Charleston and the Lindy Hop emerged from African American communities
• European immigrants brought their traditional dances to America, which were often performed at community gatherings and festivals
  • These dances served as a way to maintain cultural identity and build social connections in a new land
• Cultural exchange between European, African, and Native American dance traditions led to the creation of unique American dance styles
  • Square dancing, a popular American folk dance, combines elements of English country dance and French quadrilles
• Vaudeville and minstrel shows in the 19th century featured European and African American dance forms, contributing to their popularization and cross-cultural exchange

Adaptation and Fusion

• European dance styles were adapted to suit American tastes and social contexts
  • The waltz, initially considered scandalous in Europe due to its close partner hold, became more acceptable in American society
  • Tap dance emerged as a fusion of Irish step dancing and African rhythmic foot movements
• African American dancers incorporated European dance elements into their own styles, creating new forms of expression
  • The cakewalk, a dance that parodied European ballroom dances, became popular in minstrel shows and later in mainstream entertainment
• Latin American dances, such as the tango and samba, fused European and African influences and gained popularity in the United States
  • These dances were often modified to suit American audiences and social dance settings
• Broadway dance and Hollywood musicals blended elements of ballet, tap, and jazz to create spectacular choreography and storytelling

Key Figures and Choreographers

• Isadora Duncan, an American pioneer of modern dance, drew inspiration from ancient Greek art and European folk dances
  • Her barefoot, free-flowing style challenged the rigidity of ballet and paved the way for modern dance in America
• Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, iconic dance partners in Hollywood musicals, popularized ballroom dances like the foxtrot and waltz
  • Their elegant and sophisticated style influenced American social dance and fashion
• Agnes de Mille, an American choreographer, blended ballet with American themes and folk dance elements
  • Her groundbreaking work in the musical "Oklahoma!" revolutionized Broadway dance
• George Balanchine, a Russian-born choreographer, founded the New York City Ballet and introduced neoclassical ballet to America
  • His works, such as "Serenade" and "The Nutcracker," showcased the precision and musicality of European ballet technique
• Katherine Dunham, an African American dancer and anthropologist, incorporated Caribbean and African dance elements into her choreography
  • She helped to bring diverse cultural influences to American modern dance

Iconic American Dance Styles

• Tap dance, a quintessential American art form, combines European and African dance elements
  • Characterized by percussive footwork and syncopated rhythms
  • Popularized by dancers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers
• Jazz dance, originating in African American communities, incorporates African rhythms and European dance techniques
  • Influenced by popular music styles like ragtime, swing, and bebop
  • Became a staple in Broadway musicals and Hollywood films
• Modern dance, developed in the early 20th century, rejected the formality of ballet and embraced individual expression
  • Pioneers like Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey drew inspiration from European expressionist dance and American themes
• Street dance styles, such as breaking (breakdancing) and hip-hop, emerged from African American and Latino communities in the late 20th century
  • These dances often incorporate elements of European-influenced styles like jazz and tap
  • Reflect the cultural diversity and innovation of American dance

Impact on Popular Culture

• Dance crazes, often inspired by European and African American dance styles, swept the nation throughout the 20th century
  • The Charleston in the 1920s, the Twist in the 1960s, and the Macarena in the 1990s became cultural phenomena
  • These dances were popularized through music, film, and television
• Hollywood musicals showcased European-influenced dance styles and made them accessible to a wide audience
  • Films like "Top Hat" (1935) and "An American in Paris" (1951) featured elaborate dance numbers and popularized ballroom styles
• Television dance competitions, such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," have showcased European ballroom and Latin dances
  • These shows have renewed interest in traditional dance styles and inspired new generations of dancers
• Music videos and live performances by popular artists often incorporate elements of European and African American dance styles
  • Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1983) and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" (2008) feature choreography that draws from jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance

Contemporary Influences

• European dance companies continue to tour the United States, exposing American audiences to contemporary ballet and modern dance
  • The Paris Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet of London regularly perform in major American cities
  • These performances inspire American dancers and choreographers to incorporate European techniques and aesthetics into their work
• International dance competitions, such as the Youth America Grand Prix, attract dancers from around the world to compete in European-style ballet and contemporary dance
  • These events foster cultural exchange and provide opportunities for American dancers to learn from their European counterparts
• Globalization and the internet have made it easier for American dancers to access European dance resources and training
  • Online classes and video tutorials allow dancers to learn from European masters without leaving the country
  • Social media platforms enable American dancers to connect with and be inspired by European dancers and choreographers
• Fusion dance styles continue to emerge, blending elements of European, African, and Latin American dance traditions
  • Zouk, a partner dance that combines Brazilian rhythms with European dance techniques, has gained popularity in American dance studios
  • Contemporary ballet, which incorporates modern dance elements into classical ballet technique, is explored by American choreographers and companies