Dance & Politics Part 2: When Ballet Broke the Color Line—and Tango Defied the Dictators

We’re back to regularly scheduled programming. Thanks for bearing with us during a brief hiatus while we switched coasts! In this episode, we explore how dance became a powerful tool of resistance, expression, and cultural identity during times of political upheaval. From Arthur Mitchell breaking barriers in classical ballet and founding Dance Theatre of Harlem, to Alvin Ailey’s deeply spiritual modern works like Revelations, Black dancers turned movement into activism during the Civil Rights era. We also look beyond the U.S., tracing the evolution of tango in Argentina—from its rebellious roots to its suppression under military dictatorships and eventual revival. Featuring the stories of icons like Judith Jamison, Alicia Graf Mack, and Carmencita Calderón, this episode reveals how dance doesn’t just reflect history—it helps shape it. Look out for upcoming interviews with Gillian Murphy and Yuan Yuan Tan on The Dance Lens Substack! Get full access to The Dance Lens with Cynthia Dragoni at thedancelens.substack.com/subscribe