🪩Dance in American Cultures Unit 5 – Social Dance in American History

Historical Context

• Social dance in American history emerged and evolved alongside significant cultural, political, and economic changes
• Influenced by various immigrant populations who brought their dance traditions to the United States (African, European, Latin American)
• Reflected societal norms, values, and attitudes of different eras
  • Victorian era emphasized propriety and restraint in social interactions, including dance
  • Roaring Twenties marked a period of increased social liberation and experimentation in dance styles
• Served as a means of social interaction, courtship, and entertainment across different communities and social classes
• Impacted by major historical events such as wars, economic depressions, and social movements
  • World War II saw the rise of dance halls and big band music as a form of escapism and morale-boosting
• Technological advancements, such as the introduction of radio and television, played a role in popularizing and disseminating dance styles
• Influenced by and contributed to the development of popular music genres (jazz, swing, rock and roll)

Origins and Influences

• African dance traditions, brought by enslaved Africans, significantly influenced the development of American social dance
  • Rhythmic complexity, improvisational elements, and call-and-response patterns
  • Dances such as the Ring Shout and the Cakewalk emerged from African American communities
• European dance styles, particularly from the British Isles and France, formed the basis for many early American social dances
  • Contradances, quadrilles, and minuets were popular in the colonial period and early 19th century
• Latin American and Caribbean dance influences, such as the Cuban Habanera and the Brazilian Maxixe, contributed to the development of new dance styles
• Native American dance traditions, while often suppressed, also had an impact on regional dance practices
• Fusion of various cultural influences led to the emergence of uniquely American dance styles
  • Square dancing combined elements of European and African American dance traditions
• Immigration waves throughout American history continually introduced new dance influences
  • Irish step dancing and Italian tarantellas in the 19th century
  • Eastern European folk dances in the early 20th century

Key Dance Styles

• Waltz, a partnered dance in 3/4 time, gained popularity in the 19th century despite initial controversy due to its close embrace
• Foxtrot, a smooth ballroom dance, emerged in the early 20th century and became a staple of social dance events
• Charleston, a lively dance characterized by kicks and swinging arms, epitomized the exuberance of the 1920s
• Lindy Hop, a dynamic swing dance, originated in the African American community of Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s
  • Influenced by earlier dances such as the Charleston and the Breakaway
  • Incorporated improvisational elements and acrobatic moves
• Jitterbug, an umbrella term for various swing dances, gained widespread popularity in the 1940s
• Rock and Roll dances, such as the Twist and the Jive, emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the energy of the new music genre
• Disco dancing, characterized by its freestyle and expressive movements, dominated the dance scene in the 1970s
• Hip Hop and Breaking, originating in African American and Latino communities in the 1970s, introduced new forms of street dance and influenced popular culture

Social and Cultural Impact

• Social dance served as a means of courtship and socializing, providing opportunities for young people to interact and form relationships
• Dance halls and ballrooms became important social hubs, particularly in urban areas
  • Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, known as the "Home of Happy Feet," was a famous venue for swing dancing
• Dance styles often reflected and challenged prevailing social norms and gender roles
  • Women's increased participation in social dance during the early 20th century coincided with the women's suffrage movement
• Segregation and racial discrimination impacted access to dance venues and the development of dance styles
  • Many dance halls and clubs were segregated, leading to the creation of separate dance scenes for different racial communities
• Social dance played a role in breaking down racial barriers and fostering cultural exchange
  • Interracial dancing, while controversial, became more common in the mid-20th century
• Dance crazes and fads, such as the Twist and the Macarena, often spread rapidly through popular culture and media
• Social dance has been a means of cultural expression, identity formation, and community building for various groups
  • LGBTQ+ communities have used dance as a form of self-expression and resistance against discrimination

Music and Dance Relationship

• Music and dance have been intrinsically linked throughout American history, with each influencing the other's development
• Live music, performed by orchestras and bands, was the primary accompaniment for social dancing until the advent of recorded music
  • Big Bands, such as those led by Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, were popular during the swing era
• The rise of jazz music in the early 20th century had a significant impact on social dance styles
  • Syncopated rhythms and improvisational elements of jazz were reflected in dances like the Charleston and Lindy Hop
• The popularity of certain dance styles often coincided with the emergence of new music genres
  • Rock and Roll music in the 1950s and 1960s gave rise to dances like the Twist and the Jive
  • Disco music in the 1970s fueled the popularity of disco dancing
• Dance music evolved alongside technological advancements in recording and playback equipment
  • Jukeboxes and radio broadcasts made popular dance music more accessible
• The relationship between music and dance continues to evolve, with contemporary genres like Hip Hop and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) influencing new dance styles and trends

Notable Figures and Events

• Vernon and Irene Castle, a famous dance couple in the early 20th century, popularized ballroom dances like the Foxtrot and the Tango
  • Their book, "Modern Dancing," served as a guide for social dancers
• Frankie Manning, a pioneering Lindy Hop dancer and choreographer, played a key role in the development and spread of swing dancing
  • Known for his innovative aerial moves and contributions to the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers performance group
• Arthur Murray, a dance instructor and entrepreneur, established a chain of dance studios that taught social dance styles to the masses
• The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, opened in 1926, was a legendary venue for swing dancing and hosted famous band leaders like Chick Webb and Count Basie
• The Harvest Moon Ball, an annual dance competition held in New York City from the 1930s to the 1970s, showcased the best Lindy Hop and ballroom dancers
• "American Bandstand," a popular television show hosted by Dick Clark from the 1950s to the 1980s, featured teenagers dancing to the latest music and helped popularize new dance styles
• The movie "Saturday Night Fever" (1977) and its soundtrack featuring the Bee Gees, sparked a disco dance craze and influenced fashion and popular culture

Evolution and Modern Adaptations

• Social dance styles have continually evolved, incorporating elements from different cultures and adapting to changing music and social norms
• The revival of swing dancing in the 1990s and 2000s led to a renewed interest in vintage dance styles and music
  • Neo-swing bands and dance events attracted younger generations to learn and participate in swing dancing
• Ballroom dance competitions and showcases, such as "Dancing with the Stars," have popularized and elevated the status of ballroom dancing
• Street dance styles, such as Breaking and Hip Hop, have gained mainstream recognition and have been incorporated into dance education and performance
• The rise of social media and online video platforms has enabled the rapid spread and evolution of dance trends and challenges
  • Dance challenges, such as the "Harlem Shake" and the "Floss," have gone viral and been participated in by millions worldwide
• Contemporary social dance styles often blend elements from various genres and cultures, reflecting the increasing globalization and interconnectedness of dance communities
• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adaptation of social dance practices, with virtual dance events and classes becoming more common

Legacy and Continued Relevance

• Social dance has played a significant role in shaping American popular culture and has served as a reflection of societal changes and values
• Many social dance styles that originated in the United States have spread globally and continue to be practiced and enjoyed worldwide
  • Lindy Hop and other swing dances have thriving international communities and events
  • Hip Hop and street dance styles have become a global phenomenon, influencing dance practices in many countries
• Social dance has been a means of cultural diplomacy and exchange, with dance troupes and performers representing American culture abroad
• The legacy of social dance is preserved through dance education, archives, and museums
  • The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, New York, celebrates the history and contributions of dance in America
• Social dance continues to serve as a means of social interaction, exercise, and self-expression for people of all ages and backgrounds
• The influence of historical social dance styles can be seen in contemporary dance forms and performances
  • Broadway shows and Hollywood movies often incorporate elements of classic social dances
• The study of social dance history provides insights into American cultural history and the complex interplay of race, class, gender, and identity
• As society continues to evolve, social dance will likely adapt and reflect new cultural influences and technological advancements, while maintaining its role as a vital form of human connection and expression