American Negro Ballet Company
The American Negro Ballet Company formed in 1934 under the auspices of Eugene Von Grona, a German immigrant. Originally composed of thirty African-American jazz dancers, the company focused on serious modern dance. Lavinia Williams and were lead dancers.[1]
Debut[]
The poorly reviewed debut performance on November 21, 1937, was conducted by Dean Dixon. It was held at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, New York.[2] Von Grona was the main choreographer for pieces by Igor Stravinsky, Duke Ellington and W. C. Handy, among others.[1]
Failure and reformation[]
The company only lasted five months until 1938. In 1939, the company was renamed "Von Grona's American Swing Ballet."[1]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c p.111 Moving Words: Re-writing Dance by Gay Morris, Psychology Press, 1996 Google Books retrieved July 4, 2011
- ^ Martin, John (November 22, 1937). "NEGRO BALLET HAS DEBUT IN HARLEM: Company Directed by Eugene von Grona in a Program of His Compositions". New York Times. p. 15. ProQuest 102167196.
Categories:
- Performing groups established in 1934
- Ballet companies in the United States
- African-American dance
- Dance companies in New York City
- 1934 establishments in New York (state)
- 1938 disestablishments in New York (state)
- Ballet stubs