‘The Heartbeat: A Cultural Revival’ Celebrates Harlem Renaissance’s Impact Through Exhibition And Performances
An exhibition and series of dance performances honoring the Harlem Renaissance will be featured in “The Heartbeat: A Cultural Revival,” from Feb. 1-28 at the Parker-Astin in Downtown Bryan and at the Physical Education Activity Program Building.
The free event was organized by Elijah Alhadji Gibson, associate program director and assistant professor in the Dance Science program in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts.
The Harlem Renaissance emerged in the 1920s, as Black families moved from the South to northern communities in what became known as the Great Migration. This cultural movement transformed Harlem in New York City into a vibrant hub for literature, music, theatre and art.
“I incorporate aspects of dance, theatre, music and visual arts into my artistic practice,” Gibson said. “I recognize this as a direct result of the Harlem Renaissance — a period of significant cultural flourishing for African Americans. It was a time of immense Black excellence and pride. Where artists, writers and musicians celebrated and expressed their identity through art, music and literature — marking a pivotal moment in the representation of Black culture in America.”
Gibson said he hopes guests are intrigued by the Harlem Renaissance’s impact on society, and encourages them to explore this history.
“The artistic and scholarly work of that time continues to have a significant impact on arts and culture today,” he said. “I really want people to feel inspired and take it upon themselves to research and learn more.”
Featured Displays
The exhibition at Parker-Astin opens on Saturday, and will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.
Gibson served as director alongside co-director Dr. Jessica Ray Herzogenrath, instructional associate professor in the Department of History and associate director of the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research. They were joined by research assistants Alex El-Tayssoun, a senior Dance Science student; and Genevieve Mesich, a sophomore Dance Science student.
Gibson also thanked Jeff Watson, theatre facility coordinator, and Jam Martinez, production manager, for their efforts in helping put the exhibition and performances together.
Dedications in the exhibit include Alain Locke, Zora Neale Hurston and Duke Ellington. Gibson said guests can “immerse themselves in the era by listening to music, watching documentaries and experiencing art and literature from the time.”
The artwork includes an animation created by Mayet Andreassen, instructional assistant professor in the Visualization program, and associate program director for the Bachelor of Science degree in Visualization. She animated an original work painted by Aaron Douglas titled “Into Bondage” (1936). Douglas was known for his cubist style paintings which drew upon his study of African American art and history, Andreassen said.
“The work I created takes Mr. Douglas’ painting and transforms it into an animated sound painting,” she said. “Using 2.5D techniques with limited animation, and then focusing primarily on sound, I hope to draw the viewer into the world that the captured are experiencing.”
Dance Performances
Three performances by professional dance companies and Dance Science students will take place at the Physical Education Activity Program Building, and one will be at the Parker-Astin. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Gibson said he is looking forward to the performances as they present this history through movement.
“They’re the perfect showcase of how the Harlem Renaissance continues to inspire and shape today’s artistic voices,” he said.
Feb. 1: Urban Souls Dance Company performs at 6 p.m. at the Physical Education Activity Program Building, Room 207. Free; tickets required.
The Houston-based Urban Souls Dance Company will perform “Shadow Work,” which explores hidden aspects of people’s identities through a journey of self-exploration.
Feb. 7: Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater performs at 6 and 7 p.m. at the Parker-Astin. Free; tickets required.
The Houston-based Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater will perform “Sing Sing Sing,” originally choreographed by Gus Giordano in 1983. The group will also present a tribute to soul legend Sam Cooke that was choreographed by Gibson, who is artistic director and founder of the dance company.
Dance Science students will perform “ROSEWOOD,” choreographed by Everett Perry-Johnson, instructional assistant professor in Dance Science. The work is a Harlem Renaissance-inspired jazz piece centered around speakeasies of the 1920s, and set to music by Alice Coltrane, Perry-Johnson said.
Feb. 15: Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective performs at 6 p.m. at the Physical Education Activity Program Building, Room 207. Free; tickets required.
Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, based in Houston, will present work inspired by the histories of African Americans in Texas. The group will restage “Angelitos Negros,” choreographed by Lori Bujung, founder of Second-Generation Dance Company. The group will also present a new work inspired by stories centered in East Texas, and a piece titled “Shine Your Light,” set to an original song by Sha’Na Smith.
Feb. 28: Mezclada Dance Company performs at 6 p.m. at the Physical Education Activity Program Building, Room 207. Free; tickets required.
The Houston-based Mezclada Dance Company will present “Threading Connections,” which will explore relationships and dance styles through shared cultural expressions.
Top photo: Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater performs on Feb. 7 at Parker Astin. Photo by Lynn Lane.
