Dance development in a small community: Reading, Pennsylvania, 1850-1950

To fully understand our nation's theatrical dance history, it is imperative to understand the evolution of dance in small communities. It is also important to realize that dance in these communities was influenced by much more than European dance forms. This look at the arrival and development of theatrical dance in Reading, Pennsylvania must include an analysis of preceding forms that affected and contributed to this community's tradition. Reading was chosen for its rich dance tradition and the availability of personal testimony and materials to document its development. There are three main pre-existing forms that contributed to Reading's dance heritage; acrobatics, elocution, and social dance. A brief historical background of these elements combined with their specific association with Reading, Pennsylvania will demonstrate how they became part of their community's dance tradition. As these forms weave into Reading's theatrical dance heritage, differences between metropolitan dance and community dance will be clarified.