About the book
Dancing on the White Page examines the popular autobiographies of six well-known Black women entertainers—Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mary Wilson—and makes a case for adding Black celebrity autobiography to the African American literary canon. As she explores these women's fascinating stories, Kwakiutl L. Dreher reveals how each one improvises the choreography of her life to survive and thrive in the film, television, and music industries, as well as the politically charged environment of the Black community, most specifically represented by the NAACP. Reading each autobiography as a site of self-revelation, Dreher discovers stories of Black self-determination along with the fight for liberation from oppression and racial and gender discrimination. She explores each woman's full meaning in American culture at large and in American entertainment culture in particular.
Editions of Dancing on the White Page
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791472835
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791472842
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791479124
Read an Excerpt
Dancing on the White Page examines the popular autobiographies of six well-known Black women entertainers—Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mary Wilson—and makes a case for adding Black celebrity autobiography to the African American literary canon. As she explores these women's fascinating stories, Kwakiutl L. Dreher reveals how each one improvises the choreography of her life to survive and thrive in the film, television, and music industries, as well as the politically charged environment of the Black community, most specifically represented by the NAACP. Reading each autobiography as a site of self-revelation, Dreher discovers stories of Black self-determination along with the fight for liberation from oppression and racial and gender discrimination. She explores each woman's full meaning in American culture at large and in American entertainment culture in particular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dancing on the White Page about?
Dancing on the White Page examines the popular autobiographies of six well-known Black women entertainers—Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Whoopi Goldberg, and Mary Wilson—and makes a case for adding Black celebrity autobiography to the African American literary canon. As she explores these women's fascinating stories, Kwakiutl L. Dreher reveals how each one improvises the choreography of her life to survive and thrive in the film, television, and music industries, as well as the politically charged environment of the Black community, most specifically represented by the NAACP. Reading each autobiography as a site of self-revelation, Dreher discovers stories of Black self-determination along with the fight for liberation from oppression and racial and gender discrimination. She explores each woman's full meaning in American culture at large and in American entertainment culture in particular.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Dancing on the White Page?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of Dancing on the White Page?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791472835
How long is Dancing on the White Page and how many pages does it have?
Dancing on the White Page has 237 page(s)
Is Dancing on the White Page part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series, Cultural Studies in Cinema/Video
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Dancing on the White Page?
Kwakiutl L. Dreher
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Dancing on the White Page is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791472835) and paperback(ISBN 9780791472842) and pdf(ISBN 9780791479124)
Where can I buy Dancing on the White Page online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Dancing on the White Page from below
Where can I buy Dancing on the White Page?