The History of Black Dance in America
Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club to host dance performance in honor of Black History Month 2012
By Livia Squires | February 07, 2012
The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
The Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club, in honor of Black History Month 2012, has partnered with the Central Avenue Dance Ensemble to present a two hour multimedia dance performance entitled “The History of Black Dance in America.”
Choreographer, performer, Chester Whitmore, directs a retrospective of African and African-American inspired social dances that have been performed in the United States since the 19th century.
Historical dances included are Zulu, Work Songs, Cakewalk, Buck Dance, Black Bottom, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Foxtrot, and the African inspired Latin-American dances. Post-Swing era dances include “fad dances” such as Soul Train Dances, Detroit Ballroom, and Chicago Style Step.
The goal of the History of Black Dance in America is to educate the public about the history of these moves
Chester Whitmore performing tap. Photo by Rich Hanson
in an exciting and entertaining way. While most of these dances are recognized as an integral part of American culture, many Americans do not know of their history.
For example, the Cakewalk began on southern plantations danced by slaves to mimic high society white dancing they witnessed. The dance was so amusing that plantation owners held competitions, and the winning slaves would receive cakes as their prize, hence the name, “Cakewalk.” This story and more will be told through live performances.
The History of Black Dance in America will be performed February 23, 24, & 25, 7:30pm at the historic Santa Monica Bay Women's Club, 1210 4th Street in Santa Monica.
Tickets ($22.50 general; $27.50 preferred; $45VIP; $17.50 seniors and students) may be purchased at:
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The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble performing on 3rd Street
p://www.historyofblackdance.eventbrite.com/
For group rates please contact Livia Squires at 310.375.4890
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