Prompt 1:
Jane Dudley’s Harmonica Breakdown reflects the labor, poverty, and hardships of the Great
Depression by illustrating a “dance of misery” that reveals the exhaustion and despair of those individuals
who suffered, while also highlighting the defiance that emerged in response.[1] She found inspiration in
Sonny Terry’s harmonica, who created a personal sound she felt was so rhythmic that it gave her
movement conviction. This was rooted in her belief that “we can bring changes to society,”[2] which was
similar to many other dancers, as “each was driven by a kind of moral fervor to respond to the complex
social and political issues surrounding them.”[3] This indicates that she created her performance with the
intent to bring hope and resilience to the workers.
This was accomplished by creating heavy movement where the dancer would bend low and drag
her steps to convey the fatigue and hardships these individuals had to endure due to the constant labor and
poverty. There were also various moments where she would collapse onto the ground due to exhaustion.[1]
However, Dudley also incorporated resilient rises where the dancer would get up again and be met with
determination rather than resignation. She would continue to walk across the stage. These movements
were painful to watch at times, but they were also inspiring. There was not an instance in which the
dancer chose to stop or give up. Even with the relentless work and hunger, she chose to carry on, which
gave me a sense of hope and strength.
[1] Digital Media Screenings: Harmonica Breakdown Part 2. 31 August 2025.
[2] Digital Lecture: Harmonica Breakdown Part 1. Dr. Bennahum. 31 August 2025.
[3] Ellen Graff. “The Dance is a Weapon,” Stepping Left: Dance and Politics in New York City, 1928-1942,
Durham: Duke University Press, 1997, 3.
