Dance in America
Keywords:
American concert dance, Isadora Duncan, cultural synthesis, Balanchine, dance historyAbstract
This article examines the development and cultural significance of dance in America from pre-colonial times to the early twentieth century. It argues that dance has been an integral part of American life, beginning with indigenous ritual practices and evolving through the influence of diverse immigrant traditions. The emergence of American concert dance is presented as a product of cultural synthesis involving European, Asian, African, and Latin American forms. Despite initial resistance shaped by Puritan values, dance gained recognition as a fine art through the contributions of influential performers and choreographers. The article highlights figures such as Fanny Ellsler and George Balanchine, as well as pioneers like Isadora Duncan, whose innovations challenged classical conventions and contributed to the formation of a distinct American artistic identity.
(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
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