Black History Month: Recognizing Pioneers of Dance

By Ciyanna Rogers-Taylor, Brown Girls Do Ballet Ambassador


What does it mean to be a Black dancer right now? It means wearing skin-color tights and dancing in a world we belong in. It means being proud of the color of our skin and dancing confidently in the body we were blessed with. The dance community has shifted and evolved to allow for more diversity and inclusion. Though this isn’t the end of the journey for diversity in the dance industry, specifically the ballet world, and there is much more work to be done, I want to shed light on the dancers that paved the way for us to be where we are and have the opportunities to dance!

There are countless Black dance pioneers that have encouraged young dancers to continue pushing themselves and finding their place in the dance world. These pioneers include - but are not limited to: Katherine Dunham, Donald McKayle, Gregory Hines, Pearl Primus, Janet Collins, Carmen de Lavallade, and the list goes on. Through their determination and willingness to make the dance world a place for anyone no matter what their skin color or race is, the younger generation is able to continue dancing as freely and unapologetically! 

Katherine Dunham

Our first pioneer is Katherine Dunham. Dunham was not planning on having a career in dance, but in college she started a dance group with other Black dancers. They performed all around Chicago in the 1930’s and caught the attention of a philanthropist. He provided her with an opportunity to study dance in the Caribbean for 2 years. After this training, she came up with the Dunham technique (a modern technique) that combines Afro-Caribbean and African-American influences. The Dunham technique brought a new way of movement to European styles of dance that were more commonly seen during this time period.

 

Carmen de Lavallade

Another dance pioneer is Carmen de Lavallade. Carmen de Lavallade started dancing with the Lester Horton Dance Theater. She was known as a triple-threat of her time. She performed in musicals; films; and performed with American Ballet Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Ms. de Lavallade still teaches and choreographs. Some of her most notable works are the one she created with her late husband, Geoffrey Holder. 


Donald McKayle

Donald McKayle was the first African-American to direct and choreograph a Broadway musical. Those musicals were Sophisticated Ladies and Raisin.


Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines was a pioneer for Tap Dance. He advocated for tap on countless occasions, helped with the creation of National Tap Dance Day, and served as an unofficial ambassador and champion for Tap Dance. 

We must shed light on these dance pioneers and appreciate what they have done for the dance world. Not only this month, but for every month of the year. 

As young dancers, we still have work to do in the dance world. Let’s remember to be kind to everyone and support each other in this community. The studio is a safe space and dance is for everyone! Let’s make dance something anyone can enjoy! Dance confidently in your skin and in the beautiful body you were blessed with! 

Happy Black History Month!

Sources:

CultureVictoria JonesBlack History Month, Dance, Dancers, History, Ciyanna Rogers-TaylorComment