Date Thesis Awarded
5-2024
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only
Degree Name
Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Department
American Studies
Advisor
Charles McGovern
Committee Members
Francesca Sawaya
Joan Gavaler
Abstract
Through close readings of recorded performances from the most popular music variety shows of the era, this study traces the “cool” aesthetic that dominated 20th century American dance that accompanied music performances, from tap dancers performing with big bands in the early 20th century to Motown’s iconic routines. How did the tight-space, cool movement aesthetics of Cholly Atkins’ vocal choreography, borrowed from the American tap dance tradition and reflected in concurrent forms of popular dance, reflect the cultural politics of the period that are expressed in the music it accompanies, visualizes, and ultimately extends?
Recommended Citation
Bauermann, Mary Beth, "Grace Under Pressure: An Aesthetic Study of Cool, Tight Space Vocal Choreography in Televised Motown and Popular R&B Performances from 1960 to 1971" (2024). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 2177.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/2177
