History of Ragtime Dance
Judy Breck: @ficker.com
Ragtime is the music sounds of broken rhythm and melody. Originally, the music was played in a continuous syncopation on a banjo, violin or a piano by artists like William Krell. Although ragtime had been played in countries like Poland, Russia and Hungary in the past, it became the music of poor black folks of America. It was the standard music for black America in the 1800s, and it is still influencing artists of the 21st century.
Dancing to the Beat
1. Music and dancing to the rhythm of songs that have a swing beat have always been a part of the African-American culture. Today, in the 21st century, folks are doing such modern dances as the stanky-leg, walk-it-out, popping and Michael Jackson's moonwalk. The right music just makes you want to get up out of your seat and dance, regardless if it is hip-hop, rock and roll, or a country tune. Ragtime music makes you want to dance, break free and move without restraint.
The Birth of Ragtime Dance
2. Ragtime dance might sound a little strange to you. However, this particular dance got its start back in the 1800s. It came about during the period of ballroom dancing and waltzing. It took on a whole new appeal, taking away the ho-hum dance moves of the slow, customary and do-si-do steps. With Ragtime, you began to march, hop and move your body. It was an expressive dance that was fast moving unlike the dancing in the Victorian era. Ragtime dancers weren't afraid to cut loose, and they did so in saloons, brothels, cabarets and clubs. Most of the dancing that took place was done by African Americans. By the time the 20th century came around, they were kicking up their heels doing dances like the cake walk, turkey trot and the grizzly bear.
Dancing With No Constraint
3. Americans did not get a taste of this style of music and dance until 1893 when it first appeared at Chicago's World Fair. Just as when rock and roll music began, there was a lot of uproar because of the style of dance that it involved. So it was with ragtime dance. It was frowned upon and considered to be the music and dance of the "lower class," because the rhythm and body movements were too suggestive as the dancers jiggled and shimmied to upbeat piano, banjo and violin music.
The Masters of Ragtime
4. When you think of the ragtime era, names like Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton and Eubie Blake are on top of the great artist list in the male category. Yet, men aren't the only people who played the piano, banjo or violin at these shindigs. Women such as Adaline Sheperd, Irene Gibin and Charolette Blake added their touch to Ragtime music and dance. Most ragtime musicians were self-taught individuals, just normal poor folks from places like Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. Missouri is known as the Heartland of Ragtime, and this is where Scott Joplin began his music legacy. He played the piano at black music joints such as the Maple Leaf Club and the Black 400 club in Sedalia, Missouri.
The Influences of Ragtime
5. Ragtime dance from the Joplin era is no longer in existence today. However, the music lives on in the jazz renditions by people like Duke Ellington, Art Tatum and Charles Davenport and others. They have added a jazzy twist to old piano, banjo and violin music from yesterday. No matter what you listen to, or dance to today; the ragtime music and dance era of yesterday has influenced the music and dance of today. You can hear it in jazz music such as Dixieland Jazz and American Jazz.