"When The Spirit Moves" African American Dance

"When The Spirit Moves" Exhibition Highlights African American Dance

As part of the U.S. Department of State’s celebration of Black History Month, "When the Spirit Moves," an exhibition about African American dance, is on display February 22-23, 2005, in the Exhibit Hall of the Harry S Truman building in Washington, DC.

This paper show provides a history of African American dance, from its roots in Africa to today’s modern dance movements and reflects the gradual movement of African American dance from the fringes of popularity to mainstream acceptance by American audiences. Characteristics of African American dance — including improvisation, orientation toward the Earth, polyrhythms, and percussive music — are featured, as well as photographs of famous dancers including Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Katherine Dunham, Gregory Hines, and Pearl Primus.

Adapted from the exhibition "When the Spirit Moves: African American Dance in History and Art," the paper show was developed by the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Cultural Programs Division, in partnership with the National African American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Designed to promote awareness of African American artistic and cultural history, "When the Spirit Moves" has traveled to more than 75 embassies around the world, sparking interest in African American dance and history. In Tartu, Estonia, the paper show has steadily intrigued visitors.

Opening at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations on February 7, 2005, "When the Spirit Moves" drew accolades for its positive impact on audiences around the world. "When the Spirit Moves" is available online at: UN.int/usa.

For more information about this exhibition or other Cultural Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please contact Catherine Stearns at (202) 203-5107.

2005/228 Released on February 22, 2005Media Note Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC