WASHINGTON, DC – In a groundbreaking celebration earlier this year, the Library of Congress hosted one of the most spirited dance parties in its long and storied history. The occasion? Black History Month—and the spotlight was firmly on Soul Line Dancing, a beloved cultural tradition deeply rooted in the Black communities of Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware.
This wasn’t just a party. It was the official archiving of Soul Line Dancing as an American folk art form, marking its permanent place in U.S. cultural history.
From the Streets to the Archives
The project, made possible by a grant from the Library of Congress, was led by Queen Nur (Karen Abdul-Malik), executive director of IN FACT (Innovative Solutions through Folk Art, Culture and Tradition). The effort included an extensive collection of oral histories, instructional videos, event photos, and interviews with dancers, choreographers, and community leaders who have kept this vibrant tradition alive.
On February 27, the Library of Congress event featured performances, group dances, and even a national television spotlight. Good Morning America aired a special eight-minute segment on the event, introducing viewers to the soul line dance phenomenon and teaching hosts a popular routine called “Boots on the Ground.”
Soul Line Dance: More Than Just Moves
Soul line dancing may be structurally similar to its country-western counterpart—with choreographed steps performed in synchronized lines—but its heart beats to the rhythm of soul, R&B, funk, gospel, and hip-hop…