Durang, John

The first U.S.-born professional dancer of note, who was best known for his hornpipe dance. In 1784, when Durang was 17 years old, he made his debut as a performer in Lewis Hallam's �lecture� and patriotic extravaganza. Plays and dances were banned by law at that time, and the euphemism lecture was used for such events. Thus began Durang's dance career, and although