Dance in the Harlem Renaissance

In the Harlem Renaissance, as well as any other era, a particular kind of dance came about as different kinds of music progressed. The popularity of jazz music as well as the debut of the Shuffle Along in 1921 piloted the subsequent incorporation of jazz dance into the local clubs (e.g. Cotton Club, Apollo Theater, and the Savoy Ballroom).This specific dance required the use of the entire body, it is said to be a concoction of European steps and the indigenous African body movements. Later, a different version of jazz dance came along, called the Charleston. It was also of African decent, and most movements came from recognizable black folk dances which incorporated intricate moves. The Lindy Hop Dance, containing facets of the Charleston, was the most famous dance throughout the 1920’s, but was overshadowed in the 1930’s by the swing.

Many great dancers sprouted from the ordinary neighborhoods through out Harlem, some even went on in pursuing their dancing careers in the glamorous Hollywood and other parts of the world; however, many had difficulties with racist remarks that were often brought about. Josephine Baker was a successful dancer of the era, well-known through out most of Harlem, she later moved on to Europe to greater pursue her career as a professional dancer. Fayard and Harold Nicolas, also known as the Nicolas Brothers, are thought to be one two of the greatest tap dancers that lived. They went "From Harlem to Hollywood,” starting their career at the Cotton Club, shortly after they were performing in Hollywood and touring the world (Africa, South America, etc.).

[By: Daglys Rivas]

Works Cited

"Performers of the Harlem Renaissance." The College of New Jersey Home. Web. 08 Oct. 2010. <http://www.tcnj.edu/~messmer2/performers.html>.

"The Official Nicholas Brothers Website." The Official Fayard Nicholas Website. Web. 10 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nicholasbrothers.com/index.htm>.

"The Official Josephine Baker Website." CMG Worldwide. Web. 08 Oct. 2010. <http://www.cmgww.com/stars/baker/about/biography.html>.

Garcia, Ercina, Erica Messmer, Caryn Monta, and Kristina Odumes. "Harlem Entertainment." The College of New Jersey Home. Web. 08 Oct. 2010. <http://www.tcnj.edu/~messmer2/index.htm>.

Impact of the Harlem Renaissance on the World Today

         The Harlem Renaissance was a very brief movement in history. Yet, it left a significant mark in culture of not just America, but the world. Many critics considered the Renaissance a failure of what people hoped would end all discrimination and racism towards blacks. The Harlem Renaissance did not accomplish on getting African Americans higher wages, do away with assimilation, and abolish Jim Crow laws. Some critics even dare to say that no “masterpieces” of American literature were written during this period. Still, the movement altered the arts and literature for African Americans for the years to come. The number of works from African American writers increased also because after the Harlem Renaissance, publishers were more open to black works to a significant extent.
         Literature produced from these years inspired countless numbers of artists. Some writers included Ralph Ellison and Richard Wright. Even writers in the late 20th century such as Alice Walker and Toni Morrison had roots from the Harlem Renaissance. Even some artists from outside of the United States were influenced by this moving time period. Different artists, writers, and even dancers traveled to Europe and became popular using their methods that originated during

the Harlem Renaissance.

Other cultural aspects changed in society. Black actors starred on Broadway. Ethels Waters starred in famous Broadway plays such as Africana and Blackbirds; she also performed at nightclubs and acted in movies later on. Along with Broadway, Black visual arts became popular in the period after the Renaissance.

         As for music, the Harlem Renaissance started with Ragtime and Theatre music. After the time period, it brought about Swing, and the later on, it brought jazz and blues. Eventually, Rhythm and Blues fused with Country music to create Rock ‘n’ Roll in America. The 1960’s was a time for soul; it reflected the black culture and pride. Numbers of black owned record labels rose, and black singers were more popular than ever.

         All in all, the Harlem Renaissance had a lasting effect on African American culture. Not only were there more opportunities for black artists, writers, dancers, and singers, but they also inspired artists in the present time and for years to come.

[By Jiwon Min]

Works Cited

Ethels Waters Biography. “Biography.com.” 10/6/20.
< http://www.biography.com/articles/Ethel-Waters-9524982>

Hilliard, Kenneth B. The Impact of the Music of the Harlem Renaissance on Society. “Yale University.” 10/7/10.http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1989/1/89.01.05.x.html

Impact of the Harlem Renaissance. “Spiritus Temporis.” 10/6/10.
<http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/harlem-renaissance/impact-of-the-harlem-renaissance.html>

A Brief Historical Introduction to the Harlem Renaissance. “The Classics Circuit.” 10/8/10.
<http://classics.rebeccareid.com/2009/12/a-brief-historical-introduction-to-the-harlem-renaissance/>