A History of American Dance

Ann Kwinn, Ph.D., Office of Innovative Teaching and Technology

This session reviews the major American dance forms through the use of video and some demonstration:

• American folk dance, including the influence of European forms, especially on square dancing

• Tap and clogging, including the influence of Irish step dancing

• Swing dancing, including the difference between West Coast and East Coast swing and the Lindy hop

• Jazz and Broadway dancing, including basic musical theater movement in live theater and films.

• Hip-hop, including the influence of Latino and Black dance pioneers over the years 

The session includes the importance of the various dances to American culture as they appeared on the scene. The presenter shares a few personal stories and images and provides references for how participants can take part in or watch the various types of dances in Los Angeles.