African American Choreographers that Helped Shape the World of Dance

Dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries and expresses the human spirit. Throughout history, dance has been influenced by different cultures, traditions, and movements. Among the most significant contributors to the evolution of dance are the African American choreographers who brought their unique perspectives, experiences, and styles to the art form.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the iconic African American choreographers who changed the world of dance with their innovative and influential works. We will also highlight some of the current African American dancers and choreographers who are continuing to push the boundaries of dance and inspire the next generation of artists.

The Pioneers of Black Dance

The early 20th century was a time of social and political upheaval, as well as artistic experimentation and exploration. Black dancers and choreographers faced many challenges and barriers, such as racism, segregation, and lack of opportunities. However, they also found inspiration and empowerment in their cultural heritage, their communities, and their artistic visions.

Some of the pioneers of Black dance who made a lasting impact on the dance world are:

• Katherine Dunham: Born in Chicago in 1909, Dunham was one of the first Black women to attend the University of Chicago and earned three degrees in anthropology. She also studied dance and traveled to the Caribbean to learn cultural dances. She combined her academic and artistic interests and created the Dunham Technique, which fused ballet, modern, and African-Caribbean elements. She founded her own company and toured internationally for two decades. She also choreographed musicals, films, and operas, and established a school and a cultural center in Haiti.

• Pearl Primus: Born in Trinidad in 1919 and raised in New York City, Primus initially studied biology and intended to become a medical researcher until she faced racial discrimination. She then turned to dance and performed solo and on Broadway. She received a scholarship to travel to Africa and study dance, which influenced her own choreography and teaching. She founded the New Dance Group in 1944 and introduced African dance to American audiences. She also used dance as a tool for social activism and education.

• Alvin Ailey: Born in Texas in 1931, Ailey grew up during the Great Depression and the Jim Crow era. He moved to Los Angeles and studied dance with Lester Horton, who encouraged him to explore his own creativity and identity. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 and created over 70 works for the company. His most famous piece, Revelations, is a masterpiece of modern dance that depicts the African American experience through music, movement, and spirituality. He also established a school and a foundation to support and educate dancers and choreographers.

• Arthur Mitchell: Born in Harlem in 1934, Mitchell began dancing at a young age and won a scholarship to study at the School of American Ballet. He became the first Black dancer in the New York City Ballet in 1956 and rose to the rank of principal. He performed iconic roles in Balanchine’s ballets, such as Agon and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969, the first Black classical ballet company in the US. He aimed to provide access and opportunities for dancers of color and to diversify the ballet world.
  

The Contemporary Stars of Black Dance

The legacy of the pioneers of Black dance lives on in the contemporary dance scene, where Black dancers and choreographers continue to excel and innovate. They draw from various genres and sources, such as hip hop, jazz, ballet, and Broadway, to create original and captivating works that reflect their personal and collective stories.

Some of the contemporary stars of Black dance who are making waves in the dance world are:

• Rennie Harris: Harris was born in Philadelphia in 1964. He is a hip hop dancer, choreographer, and educator who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of street dance theater. In 1992 he became the founder and artistic director of Rennie Harris Puremovement, a company that showcases the artistry and diversity of hip hop culture. Harris has also created works for other companies, such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ballet Hispanico. He is a recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and the USA Fellowship.

• Kyle Abraham: Abraham was born in 1977 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a dancer and choreographer who blends contemporary, ballet, and hip hop styles in his works. He is the artistic director of A.I.M, a company that strives to create an inclusive and evocative dance experience. Abraham has also collaborated with other artists, such as Misty Copeland, Wendy Whelan, and Kendrick Lamar. He is a MacArthur Fellow and a Doris Duke Artist Award winner.

• Camille A. Brown: Brown was born in Queens, New York in 1979. She is a dancer, choreographer, and educator who specializes in social dance and theater. She is the artistic director of Camille A. Brown & Dancers, a company that explores the history and culture of the African diaspora through dance. She has also choreographed for Broadway shows, such as Once on This Island and Choir Boy, and for TV shows, such as Jesus Christ Superstar Live and The Wiz Live. Brown is a four-time Princess Grace Award winner and a TED Fellow.

• Hope Boykin: Boykin, born in Durham, North Carolina, is a dancer and choreographer who has been a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 2000. She has performed in many of Ailey’s signature works, as well as in pieces by other choreographers, such as Ronald K. Brown, Robert Battle, and Judith Jamison. Boykin has also created her own works for the company, such as r-Evolution, Dream., which was inspired by the speeches and sermons of Martin Luther King Jr. She is also a teacher and a mentor for young dancers.
  

Conclusion

African American choreographers have shaped the world of dance with their vision, talent, and courage. They have enriched the dance field with their diverse and dynamic expressions of culture, identity, and humanity. They have also inspired and empowered generations of dancers and audiences with their artistry and activism. They are not only the history makers, but also the future shapers of dance.