Blog for Week 11

I think "Wade in the Water" serves as an excellent example of Black dance for multiple reasons. Not only does it incorporate aspects of African culture through the drums used in the music and through the use of different movement styles, such as contractions, but it also serves as a spiritual antidote to oppression. Alvin Ailey's version of "Wade in the Water" combines different spirituals as well, such as "Didn't my Lord Deliver Daniel." The dance symbolizes different aspects of religion as well, like baptism. Malone says that African American dance evinces a celebration of life and I think this is very true for this piece. Alvin Ailey does a wonderful job capturing the happiness and celebration of the African American experience through his movement. One example of this I noticed was toward the end of the piece when the man waving a flag danced off the stage. His movement reminded me of celebrations in church when someone had been "taken over" by the holy spirit. I really enjoyed this piece and think its such a good example of black culture and black dance.