The core of Pearl's contribution to the dance world was bringing African-American social issues to the forefront by using the art of dance. She put the voice of African-Americans on the stage in an upfront and personal way. Using poems and images of African-American sufferings in the South became a way of conveying the harsh social and political times.
Pearl also contributed the native dances of African-American's descendants to dance in America. Though Katherine Dunham contributed much to African dance movement coming to America, there lies a richness in what Pearl contributes. As she travelled to Africa and the Carribean islands, she continually brought back the cultural dances and rituals of the people. She presented them not as simply sensual and primitive (or savage like) movements. Pearl brought back rich cultural ideas and presented them as a work of art on stages. The content of her work was what made her work important. Pearl was inspired by the roots of her culture, as well as the liberation of her race in America. Rather than simply protested and marching, she took the route of a using dancing as a way to connect to people. Her dancing connecting people to a culture and a cause.
Pearl also contributed the native dances of African-American's descendants to dance in America. Though Katherine Dunham contributed much to African dance movement coming to America, there lies a richness in what Pearl contributes. As she travelled to Africa and the Carribean islands, she continually brought back the cultural dances and rituals of the people. She presented them not as simply sensual and primitive (or savage like) movements. Pearl brought back rich cultural ideas and presented them as a work of art on stages. The content of her work was what made her work important. Pearl was inspired by the roots of her culture, as well as the liberation of her race in America. Rather than simply protested and marching, she took the route of a using dancing as a way to connect to people. Her dancing connecting people to a culture and a cause.
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