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The Genius of European Ethnic Dance in America

Join us for the five-part series, "The Genius of European Ethnic Dance in America," exploring how traditional European dances shaped American culture. From waltzes and polkas to Riverdance and country-western, discover how these forms united communities, preserved traditions, and inspired new styles. Experience 400 years of evolution, fusion, and the rhythms that define anation.
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Full Title (includes all individual Programs)
Streaming License includes all individual programs listed below, as well as downloadable supplemental files.
EED $125.00/yr
Individual ProgramsSKUTermPrice
Program 1: European Court Dances
Step into a world where elegance and power intertwined—"European Court Dances" exploresthe artistry and social significance of dance in Renaissance and Baroque courts. From the galliard’s daring leaps to the minuet’s refined grace, these dances were more than movements; they were statements of status, discipline, and cultural identity. Proficiency in dance signified self-control, education, and access to elite circles, shaping lives and even politics. With skilled dance masters codifying steps and court etiquette, the ballroom became a stage for ambition and artistry. As settlers carried these traditions across the Atlantic, they planted seeds of culturalunity in the New World, making dance a universal language. "European Court Dances
EED-001 $25.00/yr
Program 2: The Democratization of Dance
"The Democratization of Dance" emerged as society transitioned between 1660 and 1760. Once confined to the glittering courts of Europe, dance became a powerful medium for social mobility and shared identity. The minuet, with its poised steps and elegant symmetry, symbolized the pinnacle of aristocratic refinement, a silent language of status and grace. But the changing tides of revolution and the rise of the middle class demanded something more inclusive. Across ballrooms and frontiers alike, dance broke free from the rigid constraints of hierarchy. From the structured minuet to the free-spirited waltz, dance began to reflect the spirit of the people—a shared celebration of movement and identity. In this era, the dance floor became a space where power and poise met humanity, where the boundaries between ranks blurred, and where expression became a universal right.
EED-002 $25.00/yr
Program 3: The Early American Dance Phenomena
In “The Early American Dance Phenomena” discover how early American dances reflected a young nation's spirit, blending European roots with a burgeoning cultural identity. From English country dances to the Cotillion and square dancing, each style brought communities together, promoting equality, social bonding, and shared traditions. Dances like the waltz introduced intimacy and elegance, reshaping societal norms and revolutionizing ballroom culture. These vibrant traditions mirrored America's expansion and transformation from colonies to an independent nation, fostering unity amidst diversity. With captivating stories of dance masters, patriotic expressions, and communal gatherings, this journey through 1700–1850 showcases how dance became a cornerstone of American social and cultural life.
EED-003 $25.00/yr
Program 4: European Immigrants and Their Dances
Step into the vibrant tapestry of history with “European Immigrants and Their Dances.” From the lilting reels of the Scottish Highlands to the joyful polka of German settlers, the dances of European immigrants carried the soul of their homelands into a new world. These steps weren’t just movement; they were bridges—connecting past to present, community to culture, old world to new dreams. In city squares, rural barns, and bustling ballrooms, these dances wove resilience, celebration, and hope into the American spirit. Journey through this rich legacy and discover how European immigrants’ dances including the Irish jig, polka, and Jewish Hora—brought hope, culture, and unity, weaving a vibrant rhythm into America’s story.
EED-004 $25.00/yr
Program 5: The New World of Euro-American Dances
Experience the breathtaking evolution of dance in “The New World of Euro-American Dances!” From the grandeur of ballet’s golden age in Russia to its American reinvention by icons like Balanchine, witness a legacy of grace and innovation. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic energy of Harlem’s Lindy Hop, the sophistication of Fred Astaire’s ballroom, and the raw power of Martha Graham’s modern dance. Celebrate the resilience and joy of country-western line dancing and folk traditions kept alive through generations. This is a story of art transcending borders, cultures blending, and movement transforming into meaning. Join us in honoring the passion, history, and diversity of dance that helped shape the American collective soul."
EED-005 $25.00/yr