Dancing in the Streets: Celebrating Detroit’s Rich Dance Legacy and Culture

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Credit: Charles Falsetti

To the casual onlooker, dance can be seen as just a frivolous hobby. For others, it is a skill and talent that takes years to hone. For others still, it is a release and a way to connect with ancestral traditions. In Detroit, dance can be all of these things.

For Gen Xers, when we think about dance in Detroit--one of the first things to come to mind is The New Dance Show.

From 1988 to 1995 on WGPR-TV 62, the first US TV station to be entirely black-owned and operated, The New Dance Show was the original "Must See TV" every evening from 6 to 7 pm.

The show was the natural evolution from The Scene, another independent dance show that favored disco music. New Dance Show was more techno-focused. The host and executive producer, RJ Watkins, cast local dancers who became local celebrities. The style of dance, which featured some acrobatics, high kicks, and robotic movement was distinctly Detroit and it was the precursor to dances that would later evolve from the city like The Jit.

For others, Detroit's connection to dance is inextricable from its connection to music. As the birthplace of Motown Records, it is only logical that dance and music would rise together. One of the most obvious connections is the song, "Dancing in the Streets." The song was popularized in 1964, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

On its surface, the dance anthem was the perfect song about a carefree summer of fun. However, historians note that the song could not be separated from the events of the Civil Rights Movement and the civil unrest sweeping the nation, giving the song a dual meaning as one of political and social resistance.

Visit Detroit spoke to several luminary Detroit dance artists about the legacy of dance in Detroit and why dance remains an art form of beauty, history, and resistance.

When I think of dance in Detroit the first thing that comes to mind are social dance forms like jit, hustles, and ball-rooming. Then my mind turns to the legacy of concert dance in Detroit, like the legendary dancer and choreographer Clifford Fears and living legends such as former chair of Dance at Marygrove College, Madame Penny Godboldo, Gina Ellis, Shirley Bryant, Deborah White Hunt, Anthony Smith, and Crystall White Winkler. Their contributions have shaped generations of dancers and continue to inspire.

Marsae Mitchell Detroit dancer, instructor, and doctoral candidate at Northwestern University.

Tene Dismuke

Owner House of Bastet, a health and wellness studio focused on dance.

"Dance in Detroit is distinct due to its deep roots in the city’s rich musical heritage and its spirit of innovation. The city has a unique energy that fuels creativity and fosters collaboration among artists. Detroit’s dance scene is characterized by its resilience and adaptability, reflecting the city’s historical challenges and triumphs. This resilience is mirrored in the performances, which are often bold, dynamic, and infused with a sense of community pride and cultural celebration."

Dynamic youth dance troupe showcasing Detroit performing arts downtown in matching green attire

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Credit: Charles Falsetti

Haleem Stringz Rasul

One of Detroit's most well-known and knowledgeable jit dancers.

"The first thing that comes to mind is Detroit’s signature dance style—Detroit Jit. It’s a powerful expression of the city’s rhythm, creativity, and resilience. Some of the pioneering crews who helped shape and spread this form include the Jitterbugs, Errol Flynns, the Funkateers, and the Mad Dancers. Their influence laid the foundation for a movement that continues to evolve while staying rooted in Detroit's cultural identity."

JuneFlow

Detroit Hip-Hop Producer and Jit Historian

"To the average spectator, Jitting might just be any other dance, but for the dancers that I know personally and the generations that grew up with it and live it, it’s a form of releasing negative energy. A lot of the dancers in the Jit community post on social media. Sometimes the caption can say that they’re going through something deep in life, and they just want to dance to release pressure. As a songwriter, that’s the same angle I approach songs with."

He adds: "I often joke with the crowd when I’m performing and say, “If you were born or raised in Detroit and over 35 years of age, and never tried to Jit at least five seconds of your life…you can’t be trusted!” And then we start our show! What makes our dance different, in my opinion, is that we as Detroiters have all seen it done at parties or somewhere. A lot of people went home and tried to do it and learn it. I don’t think it’s the same with other cities like it is here. You’re gonna be practicing and learning for years and you definitely will have to go through some “ranks” or “levels” before jumping out on the dance floor. A Jit circle ain’t no joke!"

My mission is clear: to foster a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, enjoy, and celebrate the beauty of Chicago Steppin'." Detroit is known for its diverse array of highly skilled dance styles, including Detroit Ballroom, Graystone, Steppin’, Latin Hustle, and Salsa. My preferred dance style is Chicago Steppin’. I was motivated to learn this style due to its smooth and fluid movements. I highly recommend visiting Detroit to experience a diverse array of dance genres and styles.

Jeff Clark Teacher of the Chicago Steppin Style and Curator of the "I Love Steppin" Online Community

Detroit Style Ballroom

If you want to dance in Detroit. Here are some recommendations:

For those interested in Steppin’, Jeff Clark suggests exploring Insync Dance Studio in Detroit or Ears Showplace in Hamtramck.

JuneFlow recommends connecting with Mike Smith and the Jit Masters brand. He added, "Another staple within the dance community is Techno Tuesday, which happens monthly. The culture lives on, and it’s a Detroit vibe that never died."

Marsae Mitchell adds: If I had to recommend a place to study dance in Detroit, I’d recommend classes at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, founded by Ms. Deborah White Hunt and TeMaTe Institute with Ajara Alghali. If you’re looking for a fun vibe and great music to dance to. She also recommends the TV Lounge, The Shadow Gallery in the Eastern Market for hustle and ballroom, and Vincente’s when I’m in the mood to salsa.

Tene Dismuke recommends exploring a range of venues and studios. The Motown Museum, the Detroit Opera House, and Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts offer spectacular performances. For learning and participating, the Detroit Dance Collective and Detroit School of Arts provide excellent classes and programs. For a more spontaneous and fun experience, the Detroit Institute of Arts often hosts cultural dance events and workshops, providing an immersive way to engage with movement and music. Community weekly classes are a great way to explore the Detroit dance scene. African, Ballroom, Lindyhop, Jit to name a few Whether you're an observer or a participant, Detroit’s dance scene offers something for everyone to enjoy and explore.