La cracovienne: du ballet la gipsy; 1840s; Robert Nicholas Charles Bochsa, composer; Jacques Herz, arranger; Fanny Elssler, performance artist; The Historic New Orleans Collection, 93-196-RL.9
Join THNOC as we trace the history of dance performance in New Orleans from the mid-18th century to the early 20th century. Presented in conjunction with the city’s ongoing tricentennial commemorations, this day of talks at the Williams Research Center will focus on New Orleans’s influential place in American classical dance history, as well as African and Haitian influences on early dance.
Moderated by THNOC Library Cataloguer Nina Bozak, “In the Spotlight: Stories of Performance Dance in Early New Orleans” will feature talks from scholars Monique Moss, Freddi Williams Evans, Maureen Needham-Aldrich, Olga Guardia de Smoak, and Patricia Aulestia, most of whom are also current or former dancers.
In addition, the day will include a short performance of “La Cachucha” by Rebecca Allen, along with a small display of costumes, photos, and other dance memorabilia from THNOC’s holdings. A light reception will follow. Admission is $10 per person. Click the link above or call (504) 598-7146 to register.
For more on dance in early New Orleans, check out Nina Bozak's story on America's first female choreographer, Suzanne Duvillier.
| 9:30 a.m. |
Registration |
| 10–10:45 a.m. |
“Transmutations of African Dance and Freedom of Expression in Congo Square: Birth of African American Cultural Traditions in New Orleans” |
| 10:45–11 a.m. |
Break |
| 11–11:45 a.m. |
“First Steps: Ballet in Old New Orleans” |
| 11:45–12 p.m. |
Q & A |
| 12–1:45 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) |
| 1:45–2 p.m. |
Rebecca Allen performs “La Cachucha” (note: piece is approximately 5 minutes long) |
| 2–2:45 p.m. |
“The Romantic Period in Ballet and the Visit of Fanny Elssler in New Orleans” |
| 2:45–3 p.m. |
Break |
| 3–3:45 p.m. |
“Anna Pavlova’s Tours to Mexico” |
| 3:45–4 p.m. |
Q & A |
| 4–4:45 p.m. |
Reception, exhibition viewing |