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MU RESEARCHER TAPS HER WAY THROUGH HISTORY
COLUMBIA, Mo. - An MU researcher is tapping her way through history in hopes of examining and preserving her favorite art form. Mary Neth, associate professor of history and women's studies, is studying the interaction between tap dance and the women's movement in the United States during the 20th century.
At first glance, there may not seem to be much correlation between the two; however, Neth and her colleague have found an important connection. Neth is working with Ann Kilkelly, professor of theatre and women's studies at Virginia Tech University, to research the history of the art form, and how it has reflected both political and broader social and cultural changes for women. They are targeting the first half of the 20th century in their research, which specifically examines how tap dance affected and was affected by gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexuality during its development. They plan to include their results in a book, "Tapping the Margins: Women, Gender and the Performance of American Rhythm Dance."
"A lot of artists who were instrumental in creating this dancing are much older now," Neth said. "This underappreciated art form could well be forgotten if those who love it fail to document the pioneers' ground-breaking endeavors."
Neth said dance was a central vehicle for expressing new freedoms that women gained, such as the movement into the workforce, the redefinition of women's sexuality and full political participation. Neth's book will showcase women's performances and the historical circumstances that helped shape women. It also will include historical analysis of the development of tap dance, the role of women in its development, oral histories and other materials about the artists.
Tapping the Margins isn't just about hammering out percussive beats with lightning-quick footwork. It addresses stereotypes and examines racial issues within the art. From its early stages, tap dance has contained gender, racial, ethnic and class stereotypes. However, tap dancing has a history of crossing social divides. Therefore, the authors are interested in learning how hierarchies were created and resisted, as well as the way stereotypes were maintained or overcome. "I want to look at how tap's stereotypes continue, as well as how newer dancers take them apart," Neth said.
Neth is currently participating in the research phase of the project. Through a fellowship, she has researched the history of tap dance at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. She also has conducted her research at several other locations, including the Center for Theatre and Film Research in Wisconsin and the New York Public Library Performing Arts Center. Neth and her collaborator received a $130,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the study.
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