Black Lives Matter. A statement that has unfortunately been convoluted and confused with different meanings. Fortunately, recently on social media I saw protest signs that describe the situation perfectly, which I will quote next.
"We said -> Black Lives Matter;
Never said -> Only Black Lives Matter;
We know -> All Lives Matter;
We just need your help with #blacklivesmatter for Black Lives are in Danger!" ~(@feminist and other online sources).
As a Chinese Canadian I wanted to show my support for the cause and help spread awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. After days of signing protests, watching the news, and sharing posts on social media, I realized that one way that I could help raise further awareness is by showing my support and sharing my thoughts here. Not only with ways to help the cause, but also to celebrate and acknowledge the many contributions that Black dancers have made in the dance world. I believe it's important to spread awareness of this issue and be an ally to the cause. At the same time, my goal is to provide space and amplify the voices of those who are Black people, especially on this movement.
The resources and sources below are in no way complete, but rather a good place to start or to continue the journey of exploring the signifiant contribution of Black dancers in society. The videos and websites have been made into links in an attempt to make this post load faster on computers and phones. Also, I just wanted to clarify that I am by no means an expert on this subject and that I am also not claiming to be one. I would also like to state that this post is not sponsored and is not an advertisement, but has been posted out of support of a movement I believe in. Also, please make sure to research the dancers for more information and videos of their dancing, as I included a list of only a few of the many major accomplishments these dancers have contributed to the dance community :)
Misty Copeland
A phenomenal ballerina who became the first African American Female Principal Dancer at the famous American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2015. Not only has she gone on to perform on Broadway, movies, and TV shows, she's also written an autobiography called "Life in Motion", as well as being a philanthropist. You can follow her on Instagram @mistyonpointe.
Here is a link to see Misty Copeland dancing: youtube.com
Alvin Ailey
A prestigious dancer, director, choreographer, and activist, as well as founder of the famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Company in 1958 and the Alvin Ailey Dance Center in 1969. Ailey's contributions to both the dance community and African American community continue to make a positive impact in the dance world.
Here is the link to watch Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Company celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2008 by CBS: youtube.com
Here is the link to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre website: alvinailey.org
Debbie Allen
World renowned dancer, choreographer, director, producer, actress, and so much more, Debbie Allen continues to impress with not only her talent but her many accomplishments. She has gone on to win three Emmy's (she was also the choreographer for the 1982-1987 TV show "Fame"), two Tony's, a Golden Globe Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991. Currently, Allen runs a dance school in Los Angeles, "Debbie Allen Dance Academy" and you can find out more through her Instagram @therealdebbieallen.
Here is the link to watch Debbie Allen perform "Footloose" at the Oscars: youtube.com
Stephen "tWitch" Boss
An incredible hip hop dancer, choreographer, actor, entertainer, and much more. He was the runner-up on "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2008 and has been in three "Step Up" movies. tWitch has gone on to star on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" and "Ellen's Game of Games", as well as being the co-founder of the online dance studio, CLI Studios. You can find out more through his Instagram @sir_twitch_alot.
Here is a link to tWitch's SYTYCD audition Season 4: youtube.com
Michaela DePrince
A remarkable Sierra Leonean-American ballet dancer who has now gone on to become a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet. She also became the youngest dancer to join the Dance Theatre of Harlem and was featured in the dance documentary "First Position" in 2011. DePrince has also written a self-memoir with her mother called "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina", which will be made into a biopic by MGM and directed by Madonna. You can find out more through her Instagram @michaeladeprince.
Here is a link to Michaela DePrince dancing age 14 at the YAGP: youtube.com
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
An amazing tap dancer, actor, and singer, who starred in dancing roles with Shirley Temple in the 1930s. During his time, he became the "best known and the most highly paid black American entertainer in America during the first half of he twentieth century" (Wikipedia). He also performed in vaudeville, Broadway, TV shows, and radio.
Here is a link to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson dancing from the movie "Little Colonel" 1935 with Shirley Temple: youtube.com
Gregory Hines
An incredible dancer, choreographer, dancer, and singer, who is regarded as one of the best tap dancers of all time. He starred on Broadway and more than 40 films, as well as winning a Daytime Emmy award and Tony award.
Here is a link to Gregory Hines tap dancing: youtube.com
Here are some other remarkable Black dancers that you should check out as well: Katherine Dunham, Josephine Baker, Arthur Mitchell, Janet Collins, Raven Wilkinson, Carmen de Lavallade, Lauren Anderson, Alonzo King, the Nicholas Brothers, Calvin Royal III, Precious Adams, and so many more!
Extra Video: Here's a link to one of my favourite dancing clips by the Nicholas Brothers: youtube.com
Note: These are just a few of the many amazing Black dancers who have contributed to the dance world, as I wasn't able to include all of them. However, feel free to let me know who else I should include in this list or who you would like to know more about in the future, as well as your favourite dancers :)
Here are a few ways in which you can help support the Black Lives Matter Movement:
Educate
One of the best ways to learn about how to be an ally to the Black Lives Matter movement is to watch movies/documentaries/TV shows/youtube videos, read books/articles, and listen to podcasts to further educate yourself of systemic racism and prejudice.
Note: I will indicate which materials I have or haven't seen/read with the symbol "*" next to them.
Movie/Documentary/TV Show Recommendations:
Educational and Must Watch:
"The Hate U Give" (*2018 Drama, Rating: PG-13, can be found on Crave)
Based on an award winning book by Angie Thomas (YA Fiction-look below for more information). I highly recommend both reading and watching the movie, as they are both very informative resources for both youth and adults alike. The film stars Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russel Hornsby, K.J. App, Common, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
2. "Who Killed Malcolm X?" (2020 Documentary Miniseries, Rating: Not Rated, can be found on Netflix)
This film covers the mystery of Malcolm X's assassination.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
3. "Get Out" (*2017 Horror/Thriller, Rating: R, can be found for digital movie rental)
The film is directed by Jordan Peele and stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Lil Rel Howery, Bradley Whitford, and is also an Academy Award Winner.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
4."13th" (2016 Documentary, Rating: Not Rated, can be found on Netflix)
The film is directed by Ava DuVernay and is a Satellite Award winner.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
5. "When They See Us" (2019 Drama Based on a True Story, Rating: Not Rated, can be found on Netflix)
The Emmy Award winning series stars Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Jharrel Jerome, Jovan Adepo, Ethan Herisse, and more.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
6. "Dear White People" (2014 TV Comedy/Drama, Rating: R, can be found on Netflix)
The series stars Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Teyonah Parris, Brandon P. Bell, Kyle Gallner, and more.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
Inspiring and Educational:
1. "Hidden Figures" (*2016 Drama, Rating: PG, can be found on digital movie platforms)
Based on a remarkable true story that was loosely based on the book, "Hidden Figures" written by Margot Lee Shetterly. The film is about black female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race and their contributions. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
2. "The Great Debaters" (*2007 Drama, Rating: PG-13, can be found on Amazon Prime)
Based on a true story about the debate coach Melvin B. Tolson at Wiley College who helped train his team during the 1930s to debate against Harvard College. The film stars Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, and June Smollett. (Fun fact: At the time, University of Southern California was the reigning debate champions that the team won against, but the university was replaced with Harvard College for the movie).
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
3. "Akeelah and the Bee" (*2006 Drama/Kids & Family, Rating: PG, can be found on digital movie rental platforms)
A drama about an 11-year old girl who participates in a National Spelling Bee and follows her journey with the help of her coach. The film stars Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, and more.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
4. "Something the Lord Made" (*2004 Biographical Drama, Rating: G, can be found on digital movie rental platforms)
Based on an amazing true story about the black cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas and his partnership with white surgeon Alfred Blalock in developing the modern heart surgery for the blue baby syndrome in the 1940s. Vivien Thomas also went on to write an autobiographical book about his life, which is where some of the information from the movie is based on.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
5. "The Freedom Writers" (*2007 Drama, Rating: PG-13, can be found on Amazon Prime)
Based on a true story that was written into a book by Erin Gruwell and her students who compiled their diary entries about their high school lives. The movie discusses the racially divided schools in Los Angeles during the early 2000s and how this teacher was able to inspire her students to pursue further education. The movie stars Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, and Patrick Dempsey.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
Note: Although the movies/TV shows above are numbered, this is not a ranking of them, but rather for clarity. Also, I will indicate which movies I have or haven't seen with the symbol "*" next to the ones I have read.
These are just a few of the many movies/TV shows that I found recommended online through sources such as Instagram or Netflix, however, this list is by no means complete and just a small sampling and should be treated as such. Also, I only write a review/description for the ones that I have seen, but also wanted to include the ones that have been recommended online that discuss this issue. The information as to where you can watch the movies/TV shows are based on availability in Canada as of June 2020.
Movie/Documentary Recommendations Starring Black Dancers:
1. "A Ballerina's Tale" (2015 Documentary, Rating: Not Rated, can be found through digital movie rentals)
This film follows Misty Copeland's journey and her rise to fame as the first African American prima ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2015. The film also discusses her injury, race, and body image in ballet.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
2. "First Position" (2012 Documentary, Rating: Not Rated, can be found through digital movie rentals)
Michaela DePrince stars in this dance documentary about preparing for the YAGP and discusses her story of being adopted from Sierra Leone to becoming a ballet dancer. Although, the documentary isn't solely on Michaela DePrince it is a great film and introduction to her life story, which she covers more on in her self memoir "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina." This book was recently acquired by MGM and will be directed by Madonna and made into a biopic on DePrince's dance career and life.
Here is the link to the trailer: youtube.com
Youtube Video Recommendations:
Systemic Racism Explained<---Click on the link to watch)-Youtube Video by act.tv
This is a very informative video on systemic racism that explains the roots of why the Black Lives Matter movement is necessary and is currently happening.
Article Recommendations:
The Case for Black with a Capital B <----Click on the link to read- New York Times Opinion Piece
Capital-B 'Black' becomes standard usage at The Seattle Times <---Click on the link to read-Seattle Times
These articles provide an informative point of view as to why it's important to capitalize 'B' in Black when referring to Black people, which is why I have taken the conscious effort to capitalize it throughout this article (I tried my best to proof-read, so if there are any times I have done so without capitalization I apologize for this in advance).
Book Recommendations:
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas (*2017 YA Fiction)
"Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina" by Misty Copeland (*2014 Non-Fiction Memoir)
"Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince (*2014 Non-Fiction Memoir)
"Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge (*2017 Non-Fiction)
"How to be an Anti-Racist" by Ibram X. Kendi (2019 Non-Fiction Memoir)
"Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi (2016 Non-Fiction)
"Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (2020 Middle School through Adult Non-Fiction version)
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015 Non-Fiction Memoir)
"Passing" by Nella Larsen (*1929 Fiction)
"Dear Martin" by Nic Stone (2017 YA Fiction)
"I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness" by Austin Brown Channing (2018 Non-Fiction Memoir)
Note: Although the books above are numbered, this is not a ranking of the books, but rather a reference list created for clarity and easy searching. Also, I will indicate which books I have or haven't read with the symbol "*" next to the ones I have read. These are just a few of the many books that I found recommended online through sources such as Instagram or Indigo, however, this list is by no means complete and just a small sampling and should be treated as such.
Sign Petitions
Another great way to show your support is through signing online petitions for causes you believe in, many of which can be found on Change.org.
Here are the links to some causes that I've personally signed:
Justice for George Floyd: change.org
Justice for Breonna Taylor: change.org
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery: change.org
Racial Equality in the Ballet World: change.org
Demand Bloch Ballet start including women of colour: change.org
Note: These are just a few of the many petitions that you can sign, make sure to sign additional petitions that affect causes that you care about near you as well.
Donate
For those of you who are able to donate, some great organizations include:
For more information, go to refinery29.com
Note: These are just a few of the many organizations where you can donate, which have been chosen based on this being a blog about BC. Also, look online or social media for more options of where you can donate locally.
Here are some Youtube videos that you can watch to donate just by watching for free at home:
Note: I listed the Youtube videos by the names of the Youtubers/account owner names to give credit. Just click the link to watch and donate for free at home :)
Protest
Look at online forums for information on local protests that you can attend to support the movement. Make sure to wear protection such as face masks, a hat and/or sunglasses, as well as bring snacks, water, and protest signs.
For more information on safety while protesting check out: wired.com
Social Media
Show your support and spread awareness through posting about it on social media such as Instagram, Facebook, etc. Also, follow social media accounts such as @blklivesmatter or hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter with information regarding the current protests, as well as for ways that you can help.
Support Local Black Businesses
What better way to support the movement than to support your local Black business owners and businesses in your own community. In Vancouver, you can find more information at afrobiz.ca
as well as on Instagram @feedingmama's latest post (June 4th, 2020).
For those of you who live in the U.S., you can email your local senators or governors to make a change and ask for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many more.
Listen and Empathize
One of the key things to take away from this movement is the importance of creating space to empathize while listening to Black people who experience racism, prejudice, and inequality every day. As perfectly stated from some Instagram accounts such as @sirjohn online, "It is a privilege to have to educate yourself about racism instead of experiencing it"-Quote/ Source Unknown
Discuss
Another great way to spread awareness and gain a better understanding of the issue is by talking about racism, what it means to be anti-racist, implicit biases, and more such as your family members. This is the time to be vulnerable, confront your biases, and question what is considered 'normal'. It may be uncomfortable at first, but as we know as dancers, growth and development doesn't happen when things are comfortable, as we often need to stretch ourselves physically and mentally to grow. If you're not sure where to start, a great way to start can be by either discussing a movie, youtube clip, book, the news, an article, or podcast about the movement and/or racism.
Conclusion and Takeaway
By posting this blog post I hope to spread awareness and understanding, as well as create a discussion on the Black Lives Matter movement and racial prejudice that I believe affects everyone. I have tried my best to further the cause by listening and gathering information through online sources of ways to contribute to the cause. By writing this post, my intention is to bring awareness to this issue and bring further light to the movement. I highly encourage you to use your critical thinking skills, listen to what is happening, and show your support through your actions.
Thank you so much for reading! I realize that this isn't the typical subject matter that I discuss, as this is a dedicated dance news blog, but I believe it's an important topic to discuss, as well as to highlight and acknowledge the many significant contributions that Black dancers have made in the dance community. I hope that even if only a few people read this, they will gain some resources and/or knowledge that will encourage them to seek out more information to make a difference in their own communities and social network. Stay safe, spread love, and be kind :)
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