Harlem Dance History

Brandon Pereira
Dance History Final
Jillian Pena

In most dance forms and styles, references are made from historical dances that people may not even be aware of. Dancing is influenced from all sorts of cultures, based on historical events or the region these countries belong to. Through slavery American dance was influenced by African dance, and in turn the African slaves were influenced by the dances already performed in this country. This can be seen in many dance forms created and altered in the United States. One company in particular that draws many references to the African esthetics of dance, as well as historical events is The Dance Theatre of Harlem. The Dance Theatre of Harlem is the first African American classical ballet
I believe this company reimagines ideas and references from history with pushing the envelope constantly by trying to go against typical stereotypes of African American dancers. By having an all African American company, that’s already pushing a stereotype and breaking boundaries of history. They consistently prove that they are just as classically trained and beautiful as any other white dancer, and have the notoriety of any other internationally recognized ballet companies. They constantly drew reference from classical ballet and the African aesthetics, by creating/performing ballets with new ideas and points of view. By changing music, the fast movements, broken lines, bold costumes, the not so historical partnering, and the historical pieces of black history, the company constantly reinvented themselves as well as reimagined ballets through influences like the African
The reason it was so memorable and controversial was because it was a cast filled with white woman and one black man, and than man being Arthur Mitchell. Agon is a terribly exposing dance, technically, emotionally and physically. The piece requires a lot of focus, force, agility and speed, like many other Balanchine works. “The music, by Igor Stravinsky, is jarring and without meter. The dance, Athletic, modern and elegant. The Agon pas de deux is a true expression of the style of the Dance Theatre of Harlem.” (Times Magazine)
“Our company is as strong technically as any professional ballet company,” says Virginia Johnson, artistic director for New York City’s Dance Theatre of Harlem today. The pas de deux from Act 3 of the ballet classic Swan Lake is, after all, part of the company’s repertoire. But, as Johnson explains, the Dance Theatre of Harlem strives for something different. “We are a neo-classical company. Our work is based on the idea of moving ballet forward and giving audiences today something that maybe helps them understand their own lives in a different