Photograph of lead dancer Al Bledger, 1938

The American Negro Ballet Company was formed in 1934 under the auspices of Eugene Von Grona, a German immigrant. Originally composed of thirty African-American jazz dancers, the company focused on serious modern dance. Lavinia Williams and Al Bledger were lead dancers.[1]

Debut

The poorly reviewed debut performance on November 21, 1937, was conducted by Dean Dixon. It was held at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, New York, US.[2] Von Grona was the main choreographer for pieces by Igor Stravinsky, Duke Ellington and W. C. Handy, among others.[1]

Failure and reformation

The company only lasted five months, until 1938. In 1939, the company was renamed "Von Grona's American Swing Ballet."[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Gay Morris, Moving Words: Re-writing Dance, Psychology Press, 1996, p. 111. Google Books. Retrieved July 4, 2011.
  2. ↑ Martin, John (November 22, 1937). "NEGRO BALLET HAS DEBUT IN HARLEM: Company Directed by Eugene von Grona in a Program of His Compositions". The New York Times. p. 15. ProQuest 102167196.



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