Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
This paper looks specifically at Memphis jookin, New Orleans jiggin, Washington DC’s beat ya feet and New York City’s litefeet. It explores common characteristics and regional differences in each dance, connecting them to older African and African-American dance aesthetics. Emphasizing shared cultural heritage, this paper argues that these dances form a singular body of work that is directly connected to African-American dance traditions developed during and after enslavement. In addition, it argues that these dances are important cultural institutions and act to preserve specifical African-American socio-cultural practices.
Repository Citation
Shropshire-Maina, Kioni, "Jookin, Jiggin, Beatin Ya Feet and Gettin’ Light: African-American Footwork Traditions" (2023). Dance Department Best Student Papers. 22.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/dance_students/22
Comments
This Paper was selected under double-blind peer review as one of the best academic papers in dance of by a review committee consisting of members of the LMU National Dance Education Organization Student Chapter, Dance department students, William H. Hannon Librarians, Dance faculty and an external scholar.