Evolution of African-American Dance Forms

Tommy deFrantz, a professor at Duke University, discusses the origins and evolution of African-American social dances. These dances, which emerged in the 19th century, include buck dances, wing dances, and jigs. They developed as a form of expression outside the control of slaveholders and have significantly influenced global dance culture. The video explores how these dances evolved into modern forms like footwork and the butterfly, highlighting their rhythmic and percussive nature.

What was a significant influence on the development of African-American social dances?

• The Renaissance

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Middle Passage

• The American Civil War

Which type of dance is characterized by being very percussive and grounded?

• Jigs

• Wing dances

• Buck dances

• Ballet

What is a defining feature of wing dances?

• Sliding across the floor

• Flapping body parts like wings

• Spinning on one foot

• High jumps

How did wing dances evolve in the 20th and 21st centuries?

• They disappeared completely

• They remained unchanged

• They influenced styles like popping

• They became part of ballet

What is a characteristic of jigs?

• Slow and graceful movements

• Use of props

• Lots of energy and velocity

• Focus on storytelling

Combining a jig and a wing dance can lead to which modern dance style?

• Tango

• Footwork

• Waltz

• Salsa

Which dance form is associated with the butterfly move?

• Wing dances

• Tap dance

• Jigs

• Buck dances

What is a common root of many modern Black social dances?

• Native American rituals

• European folk dances

• 19th-century African-American dance forms

• Asian traditional dances

Which university is associated with the production of this video?

• Yale University

• Duke University

• Stanford University

• Harvard University