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Racial discrimination in American dance industry
As to racism in dance in America, historically of course we can find many instances (the popular minstrel shows of the 19th century as one blatant example). Just one generation ago, pioneers such as Arthur Miller (Dance Theatre of Harlem) and Alvin Ailey founded their own schools and companies to combat the lack of training and professional opportunities available to African American dancers. Nowadays, one need only look at the ethnic make-up of many professional ballet companies to see the resonances of that racist history. But many more contemporary dance companies and artists are interested in using a diverse mix of dancers. As you launch your dance career, I would encourage you to stay attuned to finding those companies and choreographers whose artistic and humanistic values most suit your own. Too many young dancers think they must audition for every company or take any job they are able to get -- be picky, especially when it comes to your values. RELATED WEBSITES:
- Free to Dance (information on the 3-part PBS documentary on African American dance in America)
- Barnes & Noble, see their listing on the book Black Dance in America: A History through Its People, by James S. Haskins If you are from the Caribbean, I would encourage you to talk to dancers you know that have worked in New York or other areas of the U.S. for information as to how they did it. You could also consult your consulate. Work permit and visa issues vary widely and, especially in today's climate, can change rapidly. One way 'in' to a community where you may wish to work someday is, of course, to go as a tourist and take as many classes as possible, soak up the dance culture there, and make as many connections as possible. When I go to New York I try to take a class at a different studio every day: it's a great way to start to become familiar with the work going on there, as well as to get to know the city in a great way! These initial in-roads may provide you with a pathway that can lead to working in a company you love. At AXIS Dance Company, we've enjoyed a very international representation amongst our dancers, but because it can mean a lengthy and expensive legal process for us, usually these dancers are ones who have really caught our eye and that we know will bring something spectacular to the company! RELATED WEBSITES:
- Dance OnLine (a comprehensive on-line dance resource with many reviews, etc about dance events in NYC and other locations)
- Dance NYC (focusing on many aspects of dance in New York City)
- Arts International (devoted to the development and support of global interchange in the arts)
- Escape Artist (reference site regarding migration & emigration resources on the Internet)
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