The Big Apple Visit

The dancers use the 6-count when they are dancing the shag. 

  

The Big Apple was founded in 1937 after the building was originally a synagogue. There are still details of Jewish symbols in the building today. There is a Star of David in the ceiling of the building. 

During 1937, the Big Apple dance had become very popular among African American students at the University of South Carolina and they practiced it at the building in Columbia. The dance made its way up to New York thanks to these students. 

After the building was abandoned in 1979, it moved to its location today which is the corner of Hampton and Park Street. The Historic Columbia Foundation acquired it in 1993 and it is used today for rental uses.

 

 The Shag started in New York in the 1940s, but South Carolinians adapted it in the 1940s. It is a version of swing dancing and is the state dance for both South and North Carolina.

Museum Visit

Source:  http://www.lauralevine.com/photography/gallery/remBBQ.php

The picture I chose was taken by American Laura Levine in 1984. It was shot at Walter's Bar-B-Que in Athens, Georgia. This photo is a gelatin silver print, which is a black and white print created from a film's negative. The silver color is left on the picture during the film development. The photo at the Museum was a little bigger than an 8 by 11.

The people in this shot are the band members of R.E.M. The photo is shot from the server's side of the bar. The lead singer, Michael Stipe, is all smiles while his band members are thoroughly enjoying their bar-b-que. Michael Stipe was actually a vegeterian and did not eat the meat. The clothes are similar to the 80's decade. They are either wearing jackets or t-shirts and have long, shaggy hair. The band actually wrote a song about the restaurant in the picture called "Walter's Theme".

Source: http://www.lauralevine.com/film/production-stills.php

Laura Levine made a career out of music photography. Along with film, she also is a self-taught artist. She captured moments from James Brown to Madonna. Many of her photos have been on display in various museums across the United States. In this R.E.M. photo, she was visiting the band in Athens while they were shooting a film.

Assignment #6: Dance

The baroque period of dance took place from 1600 to 1750. It originated in France. The style of dance is a mix between ballet and ballroom dancing. The dance reflected the baroque era's music, theater, and opera.

For me, dancing is a lot of things. I grew up taking ballet and jazz classes. I enjoyed everything about these dance styles. At the time, I did not realize how much of a work out I was getting. Dancing can easily put someone is a better mood! It is a great energy booster, but can also be sentimental. Dancing with my dad is one of my favorite things to do. In the South, the shag is a popular social dance that is fun no matter how talented you are!

Native American dance is fascinating. It is an extremely spiritual dance. Often times, it is considered to be a form of prayer. They have very elaborate costumes that move to the beat of the drum.