research.danceandfitnessconcepts.org - African-American Cultural Dance Museum

African-American Cultural Dance Museum (Excerpts)

Cleveland, Ohio

Curator: Frank Ross

author of Black America's defining dance arts book"Soul Dancing." (Pub.Nat.Dance Ass.)

Tel.216-253-6934.

Introduction to the schools

I was honored to have introduced the Black Dance experience,into Detroit,Michigan Schools,in 1988 via my first dance book "Multicultural Dance.This historic Black Dance literature,is on exhibit at the Nations,First Black Dance Museum,in Cleveland,Ohio.

South African Dance Exhibit

This is a classic picture of the South African dance exhibit,at the Nations First Black Dance Museum,in Cleveland,Ohio.(Exhibit 32).The South African dance exhibit features the legendary Toyi Toyi protest dance and the coal miners "great Gumboot dance.This is a part of U.S and world dance education.

"Dance is a reflection of a peoples history,traditions,identity,rhythms movements and culture."

Queen of Swing

This is a classic picture of the Queen of "Swing,"Norma Miller,on exhibit at the Nations First Black Dance Museum,in Cleveland,Ohio.

"It don't mean a thing,if it ain't got that "Swing"...Duke Ellington.

Order of the Grand March

The Grand March with the St.Marks Presbyterian church family.The "Grand March"is God's March-Dance and it is done by many black churches,on "Ushers Day". The "Grand March"is the sacred undeniable national dance of African Americans.(Bar Non).

"Facing the rising sun,of our New day begun,let us March on,till victory is won".

Grand March/College Graduation

Order of service showing the Grand March Processional at a traditional black college.

Letter from NAACP

Congratulatory letter for the establishment of the Grand March from NAACP.

Juke Joint Dancing

The regal exhibit (left) is called "Juke Joint Dancing". The museum suggest that African "American Dance, is a part of American and world dance History and dance education. African American dance must be taught in the schools,colleges and universities.

"I believe that the dance comes from the people and should be returned to the people"...Alvin Ailey.

Frank Ross/Black Dance in NYC Schools

I had the honor of introducing the undeniable,national black dance, the Grand March,into the New York City Schools,in 1988.National dances tell a peoples story. This literature is on exhibit,at the Nations First Black Dance Museum,in Cleveland,Ohio.

"Facing the rising sun,of our New day begun, let us March on,till victory is won".

Frank Ross/Hand Dancing on Baltimores Official Dances

As an awarded dance researcher-author, Baltimore City,allowed me to Craft their official Hand Dance Resolution. Baltimore City Council overwhelmingly accepted my research as presented by 3 time National Hand dance champion, Leslie Mallory.(Partner-Lewis Neal), Leslie is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. In the front row is C.Jack Young,then president of Baltimore City Council.C.Jack Young is now the Mayor of Baltimore City. Soon,I plan to address the Detroit,Michigan City Council about making the legendary Detroit Social,the official dance of Detroit etc. After Detroit,I plan to address Chicago (Steppin and Walk) and Cleveland City Council Hand, Line Dance & Grand March about making these dances,the official dances of their cities. These powerful resolutions give a quantum leap to black culture, via it's dance arts. Additionally, these Traditional African American cultural dances, must be taught in the schools,colleges and universities. My research is validated in the acclaimed Soul Dancing Book, archived at the Smithsonian,National African American History And Culture Museum.

Very Truly Yours
Frank R.Ross M.A.
Curator of the Nations
First Black Dance Museum
Cleveland,Ohio

"Dance is a reflection of a peoples history,traditions,identity,rhythms,and movements"...Frank R.Ross.

Editor Note: Need exact dates

Official Dances...DC & Baltimore

Hand dance is the official dance of D.C and Baltimore. Leslie (Dancing Delta) addressed city council via the resolution. D.C has the oldest Hand dance association,in the nation, Smooth&Easy-Lawrence Bradford Director.

(Editor note: Date of origin?)

"Dance is a reflection of a peoples history, traditions,identity, rhythms,movements and culture"...Frank R.Ross

Frank Ross/Dance Curriculum/Ohio

I had the honor of writing the African American Dance Curriculum,for the Cleveland Hts.Schools, in 1982

Curriculum for Maryland School

I was honored to have introduced the Black Dance experience,into Baltimore,Md.Schools,in 1987

Hand Dance in Action

Smooth and Easy Dance Troup. Demo hand dance formation.

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