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From Hucklebuck to Hip Hop: Social Dance in the African American Community in Philadelphia
From Hucklebuck to Hip Hop Social Dance in the African American Community in Philadelphia Author:John W. Roberts ODUNDE Presents: — ODUNDE's venture into dance began with the idea that African American vernacular dance -- dance that people create in homes and clubs -- is a tremendously significant expressive tradition in our community. We decided that we needed to explore this urban traditional community dance in South Philadelphia. We know that African Ame... more »rican dances represent the folk roots of popular dance styles. Nationally-viewed Philadelphia programs like "American Bandstand" presented watered-down versions of African American dance to the nation, while keeping African Americans off of their shows. But, in our neighborhoods, people were creating dances that pop fads then tried to imitate. Says dancer Karen Warrington, "You had to be in our social circles and neighborhoods to see dance happening. Plus, it was always changing. Certain dances were emerging: you had to be there to see it." So with this project, we have gone to the people who were there.
ODUNDE, Inc. was founded to serve the need for cultural enrichment in the African American community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through programming that addresses the needs of families and community residents to share their heritage with each other and the larger Philadelphia metro area. ODUNDE programs are a celebration of the community of Africans throughout the Diaspora. ODUNDE, Inc. makes a special commitment to the education and support of programs for youth.« less