Dance History - Jazz Dance reading 1
Adina Stuhlman
Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches
Ch 1. Jazz Dance as a Continuum pgs. 3-7
Having reread this section of Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches I feel that I understand the text better. I found that the I was more familiar with many of the terms used, like the Lindy Hop, and the idea of the community in Jazz dance because I have had experience with these since the last time I read this book. I strongly agree with the author, Patricia Cohen, about the importance of understanding the roots behind what we call Jazz. Without understanding where the dance form came from there is no way to keep it growing. Jazz dance is a great example of why dance history important. We cannot move forward in our culture without understanding how the past has influenced us. If we do, then we lose everything that has made us who we are.
Cohen mentioned the Vernon and Irene Castle, important influencers of dance in the 1920s. I was reminded of Musical Theater 1 where we learned the Castle walk, a pretty simple partner dance. I was also reminded of how much effort they put into modifying “Black” dance to make it more acceptable in white circles. I found this rather strange to think of in today’s context, but I see how it would have made sense then. I think today we are much more accepting of sensuality and articulation of body parts than mainstream society (i.e. white people) were in the early 20th century. It is hard to tell whether what the Castles did was appropriation or cultural appreciation, but they certainly made the African-American vernacular dances available to a large audience.
Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways could we add back in the social aspects of jazz dance into our technique classes and how would this change the dance form?
2. Why would Vernon and Irene Castle had to have adapted and made African-American dance less sensual?