Through his artistic expression, these artists asserted their humanity and dignity while challenging conventional ideas about race and identity. They also provided entertainment. Despite the church's ban on dance, they established their own communities in jook houses, dance halls, theaters, and nightclubs, laying the foundation for American dance forms. black dance. From the exploitation of Black dancers in early minstrel shows to their emergence in vaudeville and jazz clubs, African American dancers have navigated complex power dynamics to carve out spaces for artistic expression and economic independence. Despite the church's ban on dance, they established their own communities in jook houses, dance halls, theaters, and nightclubs, laying the foundation for American dance forms.Most significantly, African American dance traditions have served as a potent form of resistance against racism, misogyny, and