History of Dance

Movement leaves a trace.

Dance has many histories. Follow places, practices and people; distinguish a documented source, a personal memory and an artistic reconstruction.

Three ways to read a trace

A manual records instructions, but may leave out timing, local variation and who could attend. A film records one performance through a camera’s choices. A spoken memory records a person’s perspective.

Compare these sources rather than asking any one of them to stand for an entire period. Note the author, date, place, intended audience and what remains uncertain.

An American Ballroom Companion

Explore historical dance manuals alongside etiquette texts and other documents.

Library of Congress

Jerome Robbins Dance Division

Begin with the dance division’s own information about its collections and access.

New York Public Library

1926

Martha Graham establishes her company and school in New York.

Sources

1958

Alvin Ailey and Company gives its first performance in New York on March 30.

Sources

1973/74

Pina Bausch takes charge of the Wuppertal ballet for the 1973/74 season.

Sources