Research Catalog

Title

An African American dance forum

Publication

New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1990.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Dodson, Howard.
• Murray, James Briggs.
• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Description

2 videodiscs (approximately 160 min.) : sound, color; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

• An African American Dance Forum honors eight African American dance masters at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
• The Forum's introduction includes Howard Dodson's welcome to the dance masters and audience. James Briggs Murray is recognized as program coordinator and moderator. Dodson asks for a moment of silence for the loss of Alvin Ailey and comments on a past forums at the Schomburg with Jacob Lawrence to recognize the artist Augusta Savage. Dodson also recognizes James Briggs Murray as Curator of the exhibition "Black Visions '89 Movements of The Dance Masters."
• The Forum begins with James Briggs Murray's introduction of panel members and a recognition that this event is the first time that these eight artist have been together. Murray asks for a moment of silence for dance masters Pearl Reynolds and Lavinia Williams in addition to Dodson's request for Alvin Ailey. Murray presents biographical sketches of each artist. Each artist directly follows Murray's biographical sketch with a commentary. Artists' commentaries include discussions of original dance involvement, significant dance experiences, and interests in the greater Arts. A number of commentaries recognize Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, and others who have helped to support their work. Dunham's and Geoffrey Holder's accounts include messages on life's outlook. Holder also talks about the influence of his brother Boscoe Holder. Honi Coles comments on the lack of recognition that Tap Dance has received in the Black community. Marie Brooks comments on the importance of exposing children to authentic dance through travel and the value of teaching one how to make a living out of Dance. Arthur Mitchell and Holder also comment on the business of Dance. Pearl Primus reads a personal statement on what Dance has been for her and the poem "Jim Crow Train" by Langston Hughes.
• The Award Ceremony includes a presentation of artworks titled "Black Cameo" to the women panel members, and catalogs of Jacob Lawrence's work to the male panel members. Forum members pose for a group portrait and the audience gives a round of applause.
• The question and answer segment includes discussions on the Dunham Technique, dance preservation, and the need to educate students about African American and Black dance achievements. Talley Beatty is asked about the cooperation he received from Mary Lou Williams for his piece "Mary Lou Williams."

Subjects

• Dance > United States
• Brooks, Marie, 1929-
• Modern dance
• Dunham, Katherine
• Coles, Honi, 1911-1992
• Dance companies > United States
• Mitchell, Arthur, 1934-
• Primus, Pearl
• Katherine Dunham School of Arts and Research
• Katherine Dunham Company
• Williams, Mary Lou, 1910-1981 > Influence
• African American dancers
• Holder, Boscoe
• Dance > Vocational guidance
• Coles and Atkins
• Dance, Black
• African Americans > Education > Dance
• Holder, Geoffrey, 1930-2014
• McKayle, Donald, 1930-2018
• Atkins, Cholly
• African American dance
• Dance teachers
• Choreographers > United States
• Beatty, Talley
• Tap dancing
• Dance Theatre of Harlem

Credits (note)

• Program produced and directed by James Briggs Murray.

Terms of Use (note)

• Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.

Biography (note)

• An African American Dance Forum took place on April 29, 1990 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a Research Center of the New York Public Library.

Call Number

Sc Visual DVD-206a-b

OCLC

NYPG94-F259

Title

An African American dance forum

Imprint

New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1990.

Original Version

Original: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library, videocassette(s); 3/4 in.

Credits

Program produced and directed by James Briggs Murray.

Terms Of Use

Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.

Biography

An African American Dance Forum took place on April 29, 1990 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a Research Center of the New York Public Library. James Briggs Murray, Head of the Schomburg Center's Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division and a Producer for WOR-AM Radio at the time of the program, served as program coordinator and moderator. The Forum panel included the following eight African American dancers: Talley Beatty, Marie Brooks, Honi Coles, Katherine Dunham, Geoffrey Holder, Donald McKayle, Arthur Mitchell, and Pearl Primus. The Forum was organized to honor these eight artists. An exhibition entitled "Black Visions '89 Movements of Ten Dance Masters," curated by James Briggs Murray, was organized in conjunction with the Forum.

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Request Access to Schomburg Moving Images and Recorded Sound

Local Subject

African American dancers.

Added Author

Dodson, Howard.

Murray, James Briggs.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Research Call Number

Sc Visual DVD-206a-b

Sc Visual VRA-37a-b VHS

Sc Visual VRB-1999 U-matic