Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together.

Camille A. Brown: A visual history of social dance in 25 moves

A visual history of social dance in 25 moves

From the Juba to the Twist, social dances blur cultural lines, fostering a universal language of community and expression.

The Charleston, born from a tight-knit Black community, symbolizes freedom in movement, evolving into global dance forms.

The Twist, emerging from 19th-century Congo traditions, became a unifying global craze, blurring cultural boundaries in the '60s.

entertainment

performance

collaboration

innovation

social change

Africa

history

communication

community

dance

race

demo

self

humanity

society

identity

TED Fellows

Slavery

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