Living Pictures Representing The History Of Black Dance
Michelle Edmonds-Sepulveda
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III. Migration
Our third photograph will depict the great migration of Black Americans to the northern and western states. Blacks began moving in search of employment and a greater measure of freedom. Though black migration had slowed down during the Depression, it was revived by the northern industry sparked by World War II. The move was also seen as spiritual as well. Coming out of slavery, poverty, and racist conditions, Blacks viewed their migration as a holy walk to a Mecca they had heard so much about. The northern states were seen as the Promised Land where better conditions should be had by all its inhabitants.
Our dance will focus on religious aspects of the African Americans which were now heavily influenced by Christianity. Negro spirituals and dance traditions held over from African culture will influence the choreography. A strong voice like that of Mahalia Jackson will be used for the music and modern dance infused with ballet will serve as our basis for the choreography. Modern dance evokes freedom of movement and is traditionally done in bare feet. This will enhance the notion of freedom and promise as well as symbolically show poverty during this time in the dance. Langston Hughes has written many poems suggesting poverty, freedom, and religion. The students will read through some of his work in
The dream keeper
and incorporate his poetry in the choreography and set design of this particular dance. They will also select poems to be read between dances throughout the video. Although I will certainly suggest poetry and poets that I think they will find have appropriate and suitable poetry for the project, I want the students to independently select poetry themselves.
