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As we prepare to open the door of our newest temporary exhibit, DANCE!, we’re giving you a sneak peek at dance costumes that will be on display. From dance shoes—ballet to tap to hip hop—to costumes that have hit the stage, the big screen, and ones that are iconic around the world and through history, we’re putting your imagination in motion for DANCE! opening June 17!
Around the World
We’re showing you dance outfits from Brazil, New Zealand, and East Africa. The Maori Piupiu skirt to the right is from New Zealand. It’s made from flax, and is worn by both men and women who dance the haka. Historically, the haka was danced by Maori warriors to frighten enemies before battle. Now, the haka is danced to show respect and honor special occasions.
On the Art Wall
Dance is the art of movement, and it allows people to tell stories and express emotion. Just take a look at our costumes from the Dance Kaleidoscope performance of Theodore Roszak’s painting Girl at the Piano: Recording Sound. The colorful costumes were inspired by Roszak’s painting and give life to his work by telling the painting’s story through dance performance.
On the Screen—Big and Small
Dance costumes not only adorn stages, but also television and film sets too! Some may recognize Gene Kelly’s outfit from The Pirate, but many will be familiar with the dress Kristi Yamaguchi’s wore in season six of Dancing With the Stars. The season six mirror-ball winner, Yamaguchi, wore it during Week 8 for a quickstep routine.
In Your Memory
For a blast from the past, you can see a classic Navy cracker jack uniform (named for the uniform adorned on the Cracker Jack snack box), a flapper dress with shoes to match, and an 80s prom dress on display. During WWII, soldiers who had leisure time would put on their cracker jack uniform and attend USO programs for music and swing dancing. The prom dress on display in DANCE! was actually worn by one of our staff members at her high school prom!
Dance costumes are created for traditions, special occasions, and even art! When you bust a move in DANCE! you’ll be able to put together a dance costume of your own to express your identity and your imagination. The exhibit will be open until April 2018, so lace up your dancing shoes and get in the groove with an incredible costume (or wear your own to the museum!) in DANCE!
