Discover the hidden origins of modern dance contests. Dr. April F. Masten reveals how 19th-century challenge dancing united cultures through Diamond and Juba.
Episode Resources:
Before Dancing with the Stars or modern dance marathons, 19th-century America was captivated by a cutthroat, highly competitive sporting event: challenge dancing. In this episode of Books & Looks, Blaine sits down with historian Dr. April F. Masten to explore the raucous history behind her new book, “Diamond and Juba.” Listeners will discover the hidden origins of American competitive dance and learn how two teenage prodigies from marginalized backgrounds unexpectedly shaped the nation's entire entertainment landscape.
Dr. Masten reveals how Irish-American John Diamond and African-American William Henry Lane (known as Juba) rose from busking in waterfront taverns to becoming international sensations under the exploitative eye of a young P.T. Barnum. The conversation unpacks the fascinating "eel economy," where working-class performers bartered jig dancing for plates of food, and explores how the blending of Irish and African steps created a distinctly creolized American art form. You'll hear the surprising truth about how these historic 19th-century public contests mirrored bare-knuckle boxing - complete with heavy betting, strict judges, and intense rivalries - but you'll have to listen to find out how a chance encounter with Charles Dickens ultimately changed the trajectory of Juba's career forever.
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