Makia Irvin
Research Mentor(s): Matthew Solomon
Mentor Department: Film, Television, and Media
Authors: Makia Irvin, Matthew Solomon
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Creative Project
Abstract
“Visioning Black Performers in a Lost Film†explores the historical significance of the Black Bottom dance as depicted in the 1928 film The Big City, focusing on the uncredited contributions of over 100 Black actors in a pivotal dance scene. Despite their integral role, these performers were not credited, highlighting broader issues of racial erasure in early Hollywood. Using historical films and articles as primary research methods, to reconstruct the dance from scratch, combining archival materials with modern technology. A key component of this project is the creation of a virtual reality (VR) experience that immerses young audiences in the Black Bottom scene. By allowing viewers to virtually engage with the dance, the project provides an innovative, educational platform for rediscovering a pivotal moment in cinema history. The VR experience offers a chance to explore the intricate movements and rhythms of the dance in an interactive way, bridging the gap between past and present. Additionally, the project utilizes motion capture technology to record the known movements of the Black Bottom dance, ensuring an accurate and appropriate representation for future generations. This project not only seeks to restore the dance’s legacy but also to shed light on the overlooked contributions of Black artists in silent cinema.
