For example, her first performance at Jacobs Pillow was comprised of repertory works that drew upon the cultures of Africa, the West Indies, and the southern region of the United States. These pieces were rooted in Primus experience with black southern culture. In the summer of 1944, Primus visited the Deep South to research the culture and dances of Southern blacks. Early in her career she saw the need to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance. Primus began her formal study of dance with the New Dance Group in 1941, she was the group's first black student. On July 7, 2011 University Dancers with Something Positive, Inc. presented several of her works on the Inside/Out Stage. Allan, the pen name of teacher AbelMeeropol, was a frequently contributor to the TAC Cabarets, most often in collaboration with Earl Robinson. [1], The significance of Primus' African research and choreography lies in her presentation of a dance history which embraces ethnic unity, the establishment of an articulate foundation for influencing future practitioners of African dance, the presentation of African dance forms into a disciplined expression, and the enrichment of American theater through the performance of African dance. Pearl Primus' debut performance predated Dr. King's March on Selma by over 20 years, however her work did much to dispel prejudice and instill and understanding of African heritage in American audiences. CloseWalter Terry, Dance World: Hunting Jungle Rhythm, New York Herald Tribune, January 15, 1950, Sec. Her performance of Strange Fruit, choreographed by the late Dr. Pearl Primus, is currently on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dance critic Walter Terry wrote an article discussing the time she spent interacting with people from more than thirty different tribal groups, and he described the knowledge she had gained from her research. When Primus returned, she performed many of these dances to audiences throughout the world. The repeal of Prohibition brought new or re-opened spaces where audiences could enjoy theater, dance or music while purchasing legal drinks for those who, in the Depression,could afford them. The note seems to succinctly capture Primuss deep affection for and attachment to the dance: I welcome you. Watch: ViewStrange Fruit and Hard Time Blues. Pearl Primus was the first Black modern dancer. 489 0 obj <> endobj Additional oral histories and tapes of performance can be found at the Library for the Performing Arts and the Schomburg Center. [32] She was the recipient of numerous other honors including: The cherished Liberian Government Decoration, "Star of Africa"; The Scroll of Honor from the National Council of Negro Women; The Pioneer of Dance Award from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre; Membership in Phi Beta Kappa; an honorary doctorate from Spelman College; the first Balasaraswati/ Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Chair for Distinguished Teaching at the American Dance Festival; The National Culture Award from the New York State Federation of Foreign Language Teachers; Commendation from the White House Conference on Children and Youth.[1]. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . It also laid the foundation for her relationship with Borde, who would follow her back to New York, marry her, and become her partner in all aspects of her life. DAN 166 - Exam 3 Flashcards | Quizlet Primus and Borde taught African dance artists how to make their indigenous dances theatrically entertaining and acceptable to the western world, and also arranged projects between African countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea and the United States Government to bring touring companies to this country.[24].
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strange fruit choreographed by pearl primus