TED: A visual history of social dance in 25 moves | Camille A. Brown

The video explores the evolution of social dance, highlighting its role as a cultural expression and community connector. It traces the history of various dances like the Juba, Cakewalk, Charleston, and Twist, showing how they emerged from African and African-American traditions. These dances served as a means of cultural retention and subversion, influencing and being influenced by society. The video concludes with the modern evolution of social dance, emphasizing its ongoing role in shaping and reflecting cultural identity.

What is a key characteristic of social dance as described in the introduction?

• It remains unchanged over time.

• It is choreographed by a single person.

• It is a communal expression that evolves.

• It is only performed in formal settings.

Which dance was a form of subtle resistance and parody during the era of slavery?

• The Lindy Hop

• The Charleston

• The Cakewalk

• The Twist

What was the Charleston known for in the 1920s?

• Its origins in Latin America

• Being a solo dance

• Its focus on improvisation and musicality

• Its strict choreography

How did the Twist contribute to social dance in the late '50s?

• It blurred boundaries between different social groups.

• It was restricted to African-American communities.

• It was only popular in the United States.

• It was a formal dance style.

What role did hip-hop play in the evolution of social dance in the 1980s and '90s?

• It was only popular in rural areas.

• It borrowed from past traditions and gained visibility.

• It replaced all previous dance styles.

• It had no impact on social dance.