Minstrel shows, vaudeville and the early musicals of Harlem set the standard for dance entertainment in the 1800's and early 1900's

Full Answer Section

• Artistic Merit: While not considered high art, minstrel shows did contribute to the development of tap dancing and lively performance styles.

• Dance Styles: A wide variety! From acrobatics and slapstick comedy routines to elegant waltzes and ethnic dances like the Irish jig.
• Entertainment Focus: Absolutely. Vaudeville was all about showcasing a variety of acts to keep audiences engaged.
• Artistic Merit: While some acts were purely comedic, vaudeville also featured talented dancers who pushed boundaries and showcased impressive skill. For example, some vaudeville performers, like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, helped popularize tap dancing.

• Dance Styles: Energetic and innovative routines featuring the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and the Black Bottom.
• Entertainment Focus: Yes, these musicals were crowd-pleasing, but they also served as a platform for Black performers and celebrated Black culture.
• Artistic Merit: Early Harlem musicals were groundbreaking. They showcased complex choreography, storytelling through dance, and incredible athleticism, paving the way for future dance styles like jazz.

• Vaudeville: Vernon and Irene Castle, a vaudeville dance duo, popularized the Castle Walk, a more elegant version of the waltz.
• Harlem Musicals: The musical "Shuffle Along" (1921) featured innovative choreography by the Nicholas Brothers, showcasing tap dancing as a sophisticated art form.

Sample Answer

You're right that these forms of entertainment had a big impact on dance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but there's more to the story! Let's break it down with some examples:

Minstrel Shows (1830s-1910s):

• Dance Styles: Energetic jigs and breakdowns, often exaggerated and stereotypical depictions of African American dance.
• Entertainment Focus: Definitely! Minstrel shows aimed to make audiences laugh with their portrayal of Black culture.