American Social History through Dance: A New Course at Vanderbilt University

Abstract

In American Studies 100W at Vanderbilt University, students study American history -- not through battles or infamous uprisings, presidents or political speeches -- but through the dances danced on American soil and those who danced them, as well as those who opposed them. From Native American tribal dances, replete with spiritual significance, to the muscular in-your-face exuberance of the locking and popping of today’s hip hop street performers in South Central LA, dance can explain a great deal about America.