Podcast Summary: "Dance Like A New Yorker"
All Of It is a captivating episode of WNYC's cultural exploration series, All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart. Released on April 9, 2025, this episode delves into the rich history and vibrant present of dance in New York City, framed around the newly unveiled exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York titled "Urban Dreams and Defiance on the Dance Floor." The episode features insightful conversations with the exhibit's co-curators, Dr. Sarah Henry and Dr. Derek Leon Washington, who bring to life over two centuries of social dancing in the city.
Introduction to the Exhibit
[02:04] Dr. Sarah Henry:
"Why is dance important to the history of New York?"
Kicking off the episode, Alison Stewart introduces the theme of dance as a central thread in the fabric of New York City's cultural tapestry. The exhibition, "Urban Dreams and Defiance on the Dance Floor," serves as both a companion and curator of the myriad dance forms that have thrived in the city, showcasing how dance has been a vehicle for socialization, cultural synthesis, and personal expression.
Dance as a Cultural Crossroads
[02:09] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"Dance is a great way to look at New York City because these social dance places... are an embodiment of what New York's all about."
Dr. Washington emphasizes dance as a reflection of New York's diverse and dynamic population. He explains how dance venues act as intersections where different cultures meet, negotiate identity, and influence one another. This interplay exemplifies the broader cultural dialogues that define the city.
[03:08] Alison Stewart:
"Through dance, people identify themselves... create space for joy, for defiant joy, for inclusivity."
Alison Stewart highlights that dance not only reflects personal and communal identities but also fosters inclusive spaces where diverse expressions can flourish.
Historical Perspectives: 19th Century to Swing Era
The discussion transitions to the historical significance of dance in New York, starting from the late 1800s.
[04:26] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"Dance becomes sort of a universal language that people can share."
Dr. Washington narrates how social dance in the 19th century was pervasive, spanning private events and public celebrations alike. He notes the polka’s popularity and its role in unifying different immigrant groups through a shared dance vocabulary, while also allowing for continuous evolution through cultural cross-fertilization.
[07:18] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"The dreams have all to do with who you can be... the defiance also can be about who gets to claim space."
This quote underscores the dual themes of aspiration and resistance embodied in the exhibition, reflecting how dance has been a medium for both self-expression and social defiance.
The Swing Era and Its Legacy
[12:27] Dr. Sarah Henry:
"When did swing become the thing?"
Alison Stewart delves into the swing era, highlighting its emergence in the late 1920s and peak popularity in the mid-1930s. The swing movement, particularly in Harlem, revolutionized social dancing by encouraging improvisation and personal expression, breaking away from rigid dance protocols.
[15:59] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"If you come to the exhibition, you can see some jewelry that she wore... brings that dialogue between the music and the movement right into the gallery."
Dr. Washington connects the visual elements of the exhibition, such as musical instruments and dance attire, to the experiential nature of swing, enhancing the visitor's understanding of its cultural significance.
Modern Dance Communities and Inclusivity
The conversation shifts to contemporary dance communities and the exhibition’s role in celebrating their diversity.
[09:50] Pedro:
"Going dancing every weekend. There was nothing else."
Listener Pedro shares his nostalgic memories of New York's vibrant dance scene, exemplifying the city's ongoing dance culture that the exhibit aims to capture and celebrate.
[17:24] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"And we have a whole listing of different programs... educational opportunities because we couldn't fit everything on the wall."
Dr. Washington explains how the exhibition extends beyond static displays, offering interactive elements and community engagement to keep New York's dance traditions alive and evolving.
Challenges, Defiance, and Legal Barriers
A significant segment addresses the historical challenges faced by dance communities, particularly through restrictive laws.
[19:01] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"The cabaret law... was a real dampening of the way that spaces could be used."
Dr. Washington discusses the oppressive cabaret laws that restricted dancing in public spaces, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. He highlights the exhibition's theme of defiance, illustrating how these communities resisted and ultimately overcame legal barriers to reclaim their cultural spaces.
[20:16] Alison Stewart:
"...All Dancing Allowed... radical inclusivity, the radical diversity of New York."
Alison emphasizes the exhibition's concluding section, "All Dancing Allowed," which symbolizes the triumph over restrictive laws and celebrates unfettered self-expression through dance.
Afro-Caribbean Influences
The exhibit also pays homage to Afro-Caribbean dance forms that have significantly shaped New York's dance landscape.
[25:07] Alison Stewart:
"We have a video of a street party in Bushwick... Freedom Dreams From Mambo to Merengue."
Alison Stewart outlines the exhibition's focus on Afro-Caribbean dances such as mambo, merengue, and salsa, showcasing their historical roots and ongoing vibrancy within New York's diverse communities.
[27:45] Listener:
"We'Re talking about urban stomp dreams and defiance on the dance floor."
This interlude reinforces the seamless integration of Afro-Caribbean influences into New York's dance culture, as highlighted by the exhibition.
Interactive and Immersive Features
[28:07] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"...interactive Learn to Dance screens... be part of this story of New York and dance."
Dr. Washington elaborates on the exhibit's interactive components, including dance tutorials and an immersive dance floor that invites visitors to engage physically with the dance forms, bridging the gap between observation and participation.
[29:32] Dr. Sarah Henry:
"...Rhythm of the Salsa Saturday... educational opportunities..."
Alison Stewart mentions special events tied to the exhibition, such as Rhythm of the Salsa Saturday, which further immerses visitors in the diverse dance traditions celebrated in the exhibit.
Conclusion and Community Engagement
As the episode draws to a close, the focus returns to community involvement and the ongoing legacy of New York's dance scene.
[30:37] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"Thanks. Come dance with us."
A heartfelt invitation from Dr. Washington encourages listeners to participate in the city's vibrant dance culture, both within the exhibition and the broader community.
[24:03] Dr. Derek Leon Washington:
"Social dancing is a socializing mechanism... create community on the dance floor."
Emphasizing dance's role in fostering community and bridging cultural divides, Dr. Washington encapsulates the exhibition's mission to celebrate and sustain New York's dance heritage.
Notable Quotes
-
Dr. Derek Leon Washington [02:09]:
"Dance is a great way to look at New York City because these social dance places... are an embodiment of what New York's all about." -
Alison Stewart [03:08]:
"Through dance, people identify themselves... create space for joy, for defiant joy, for inclusivity." -
Dr. Derek Leon Washington [07:18]:
"The dreams have all to do with who you can be... the defiance also can be about who gets to claim space." -
Alison Stewart [20:16]:
"...All Dancing Allowed... radical inclusivity, the radical diversity of New York." -
Dr. Derek Leon Washington [24:09]:
"Social dancing is a socializing mechanism... create community on the dance floor."
Final Thoughts
"Dance Like A New Yorker" offers a comprehensive exploration of how dance has both shaped and been shaped by the cultural dynamics of New York City. Through engaging discussions with Dr. Sarah Henry and Dr. Derek Leon Washington, listeners gain a deep appreciation for the historical and contemporary significance of dance as a unifying and expressive force. The exhibition "Urban Dreams and Defiance on the Dance Floor" emerges as a pivotal celebration of New York's diverse dance legacy, inviting both reflection and participation from the community.
For those eager to experience this vibrant narrative firsthand, the exhibition opened to the public on April 11th at the Museum of the City of New York and continues to foster connections through interactive features and community events.