Central Illinois Teaching with Primary Sources Newsletter
In this issue: Connecting to Illinois Learn More with American Memory
In the Classroom: Lesson Plans, Activities and Resources
Test Your Knowledge PDF Version
December 2009
Move to the Rhythm: Dance
Introduction
Welcome to the 26th issue of the Central Illinois Teaching with Primary Sources Newsletter, a collaborative project of Teaching with Primary Sources Programs at Eastern Illinois University and Southern 
Illinois University Edwardsville. Our goal is to bring you topics that connect to the Illinois Learning Standards as well as provide you with amazing items from the Library of Congress.
Dance is mentioned specifically within ISBE materials for the following Illinois Learning Standards (found within goal, standard, benchmark or performance descriptors). 21.B-Demonstrate cooperative skills during structured group physical activity. 25.A-Understand the sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive qualities of the arts. 26.A-Understand processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the arts. 26.B-Apply skills and knowledge necessary to create and perform in one or more of the arts. 29.B-Understand music, dance, folk art, visual art, drama and architecture related to the target language societies.
The history of how and where dance started is unknown. In some cultures dance was used in religious customs, festivals or rituals. Dance as a form of entertainment is documented as early as medieval Europe. Variations of medieval peasant dances continue today in the form of folk dances. Some peasant dances were transformed by the aristocracy and became courtly social dance which evolved into ballet.
Early Maypole dances were part of annual celebrations welcoming summer. John Ruskin introduced the Maypole dance that we know today in 1881 at Whitelands College while creating dances for a May pageant. Maypole dances were performed in many schools. Generations of teachers had learned these dances and have passed them on to the
ir students.
Dance was present and popular during war time. Formed in 1941, the USO handled the recreational needs of a growing armed service. At its peak in 1944, the USO had more than 3,000 clubs. These clubs became a place where soldiers could relax and dance to popular music.
There are many types of dance, only of which a few have been mentioned here. The Library of Congress has numerous holdings pertaining to dancing. Conduct your own search to learn more.
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Connecting to Illinois
As the population spread westward so did dance. Pioneers sought recreational activities and social contact. Square dancing filled this need. Square dancing actually started as folk dances which early settlers brought from their home countries. Over time, dances were merged and formed square dancing. In 1990, Governor Thompson signed into law a bill designating square dancing as the official dance of the State of Illinois.
In 1942 during World War II, Chicago became home of the first USO club in Illinois. Within a few months Chicago would host three USO sites. These clubs supplied active servicemen with much needed recreation. USO dances became a well-known pastime for soldiers. In 1947, all USO clubs were closed but were reactivated in 1948 with the Korean War. 
Katherine Dunham was born in Chicago Illinois in 1909. While in high school, Dunham learned a free-style type of dance but did not begin to seriously study dance until 1928. At this time, she began to study ballet under the teaching of Ludmilla Speranzeva. Speranzeva was one of only a few teachers who accepted black students. A successful Dunham went on to open her own dance schools for African-Americans. She became an accomplished dancer and choreographer in Broadway productions. It wasn't long before Hollywood called on Katherine Dunham, who choreographed and was the feature dancer in the film Star Spangled Rhythm.
Chicago native Carol Lawrence soared to fame appearing in the Broadway musical West Side Story. In 1958, she was nominated for a Tony award for her role as Maria. Lawrence has appeared both singing and dancing in numerous musicals.
Learn More with American Memory Collections
Inventing Entertainment: The Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of the Edison Company
On October 17, 1888, Thomas Edison filed a caveat with the Patent Office describing his ideas for a device that would "do for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear." Edison called 
his invention a kinetoscope. A prototype of Edison's kinetoscope was unveiled during a convention of the National Federation of Women's Clubs on May 20, 1891, but was not completed until 1892. The earliest films on dance were from 1894. A bowery waltz, a Sioux ghost dance, imperial Japanese dance and Spanish dancers were some of the dances on film in the Edison collection.
Photographs form the Chicago Daily News, 1902-1933
Images in this collection were taken by photographers for the Chicago Daily News. There are photographs of professional dancers, formal dances from the local dance hall and images of children dancing. Dance as a form of recreation is visible in most of the photographs.
By the People, for the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943
Dance festivals, musical theater and special presentations are just some of the great posters in this collection. With vivid colors and excellent art work these posters are a unique form of advertising cultural events. These programs were offered to enrich the lives of every person not just the elite during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term. Because of the popularity of radio and motion pictures during the 1920 many people in the theater business found themselves without a job. A decade later the depression eliminated many of the remaining jobs. These programs helped get America back to work.
Traveling Culture: Circuit Chautauqua in the Twentieth Century
What was Chautauqua? Theodore Roosevelt described it as "The most American thing in the world". There are few American's who remember the Circuit Chautauqua. It was a chance for the community to gather for three to seven days to hear lectures on a variety of subjects, see a classic play or a Broadway musical. Founded in 1874 by Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent, they promised patrons "education and uplift". The popularity was to great not to be copied by others and soon independent Chautauqua's sprung up all across America. The goal of the Circuit Chautauqua was to offer challenging, informational and inspirational stimulation for rural and small town America. The Library's collection of broadsides advertising the different performers is vast. Recitals, dance companies and modern dance gave people in rural America a bit of the culture of the big city.
History of the America West: 1860-1920
Photographs depicting the lives of Native Americans from over 40 different tribes who lived west of the Mississippi are abundant in this collection. Dancing is an important part of the Native Americans' culture. They dance for celebration, harvests and also perform dances to help with sickness. The sun dance, snake dance and corn dance are just a few of the Native American dances captured in photographs. Impressive costumes and headdresses adorned with feathers and beads are also an important part of each dance.
An American Ballroom Companion: Dance Instruction Manuals 1490-1920
The interest in ballroom dancing grew with the middle-class population of the late-nineteenth century. Many books in this collection targeted this growing audience, offering an opportunity for people to learn how to 
dance without having to take private lessons. Besides giving the latest dance steps, the books often give lessons on etiquette on the dance floor.
From the colonial times through the time of rock and roll there have been critics with the belief that dancing is immoral. This collection contains a number of pamphlets condemning ballroom dancing. As anti-dance literature attests, dance halls were often sites for lewd behavior and public drunkenness. One pamphlet states that dancers behave well until around 11 p.m. when the effects of alcohol take over. Occurrences throughout the country led to cities introducing laws restricting the events in and around dance halls.
In the Classroom: Lesson Plans, Activities and Resources
In this section you will find items pertaining to this month's topic that can be used in your classroom. This is just a small sample of items available through the Library; conduct your own search on dance to find more.
Today in History
June 23, 1927 Bob Fosse: Find out more about famous choreographer Bob Fosse's life.
December 1, 1957 Pas de deux: Learn about this defining moment in ballet history.
Wise Guide
January 2005, Become a Dancing Fool: An introduction to An American Ballroom Companion: Dance Instruction Manuels, ca. 1490-1920.
November 2004, An Irreplaceable Dance Treasure: The dancing career of Katherine Dunham.
October 2009, A Riotous Rond de Jambe: A premier ballet where the audience started a riot.
America's Library
Join America at Play
Swing Your Partner: Learn about the waltz, square dancing and early break dance.
Explore the States
Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival: Cleveland Ohio celebrates its Irish heritage in the form of Irish dancing.
Expresiones Dance Company: This dance company performs traditional dances from all over Mexico.
Los Matachines de la Santa Cruz: This dance group who is active in Texas, continue traditions that are over 100 years old.
The Vandalia Gathering: What is flat footing?
Exhibitions
The Nature of Dance: View costume designs created for Le Sacre du Printemps.
Dance Theatre Designs: Theatre designs by Peggy Clark and Elizabeth Montgomery for the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre.
Bob Fosse's Dance Notions for Little Me, 1962: Bob Fosse's notes for the stage version of Little Me.
A Ballet for Balanchine: Find out more about the ballet Agon and choreographer George Balanchine.
Martha Graham's Lamentation: Photographs of modern dance pioneer Martha Graham.
West Side Story: This exhibit contains unique items from the classic Broadway musical West Side Story.
The Teacher's Page
Themed Resources:
Music and Dance: Listen to some of Edison's early recordings, study dance instruction manuals and view video clips of dancers illustrating dances ranging from the Renaissance to 20th century Ragtime.
Webcasts
Surati: Classical and Folk Indian Dance from New Jersey: The Surati dance group performs Indian classical and folk dance.
Dance Treasures of the Music Division: Learn more about the vast dance treasures available at the Library of Congress Music Division.
Lao Dance Performance: A traditional Lao dance performance.
Korean Cultural Fan and Drum Dance: Members of the Asian American Arts Center perform a Korean drum dance.
Natasinh Dancers and Musicians: Watch the Natasinh dancers and musicians perform traditional Lao dance and music.
Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac: Recreations of Aztec dances.
