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Claire Connor Dr. Harris African American Literature 2017 14 April 2026 Major Project In my project, I am exploring how Black Performance Theory contributes to art forms not rooted in African American Vernacular Traditions. During class, we read “From ‘Negro Expression’ To ‘Black Performance’” by Thomas F. DeFrantz and Anita Gonzalez, where we were introduced to the concept of Black Performance Theory. Black Performance Theory is a field that analyzes how blackness is embodied through Performance, both on and off stage (DeFrantz and Gonzalez). Black expression is a form of resilience, social empowerment, and enjoyment. Black Performance Theory has been called “the black aesthetic.” In my project, I wanted to focus on how Black Performance theory affects dance. Dance is a unique art form that tells stories through body movement. In recent history, Black dancers and choreographers have profoundly transformed ballet by breaking racial barriers, redefining traditional aesthetics, and promoting greater inclusivity. Their contributions have enriched Black performance theory, directly confronting the Eurocentric, heteronormative, and exclusionary frameworks historically embedded in ballet. Rather than focusing on "assimilation," Black artists have asserted their identities and demonstrated cultural resilience. Arthur Mitchell shattered racial boundaries in classical dance by becoming the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet in 1956. He was able to transform ballet by recruiting, training, and providing professional opportunities for dancers of color in a historically white art form, and later founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the first Black classical ballet company. Misty Copeland made history as the first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2015. Dancers like Copeland have powerfully challenged the traditional, Eurocentric image of a "ballerina," paving the way for more diverse representation in the art form. Alvin Ailey, though best known for his modern dance company, also bridged ballet and modern techniques; his work highlighted Black cultural experiences and advanced representation in the broader dance world, influencing generations of dancers across genres. Throughout generations, Black people have empowered and brought joy through dance.

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