African Diasporic Roots of Black Dance in New Orleans

In partnership with the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, my project entitled “Finding African Dance in New Orleans: Spaces of Black Dance” will focus on the African-centric, Black performative dance retentions within New Orleans’ African American community. With the help of my interviewees from African Dance and Drum companies, Black Masking Indians, social aid and pleasure club members, and participants from New Orleans Jazz artist-in-residence musicians, each of the interviewees, dancers, and drummers tell a history of authentic New Orleans culture. This thesis will support the study of African diaspora dance retentions expressed in New Orleans’ dance communities. The project will explore where retentions of African dance and African diasporic dance can be found in New Orleans through second lines, Mardi Gras Indians, religion, and African dance and drum institutions. As an exhibit, my project will support the historical narrative of African dance in New Orleans. The exhibit will complement both parks’ mission of sharing the history and musical traditions of the lower Mississippi River delta. As an ongoing public history project, this project will support the current efforts of understanding African cultural expressions in Black New Orleans dances.

The project fits directly into the Jean Lafitte French Quarter Visitor Center and New Orleans Jazz park missions. The French Quarter Visitor Center for Jean Lafitte interprets programming on the diverse cultures of the New Orleans community. In contrast, Jazz interprets programming on the origins and advancement of jazz music. The park mission states, “To preserve, protect, and cultivate a further appreciation for our natural and cultural resources.” Understanding the origins of Black New Orleans dance will facilitate the role of dance in the foundation of jazz music and observing New Orleans African American cultural practices.