# Negro Dancer explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Langston Hughes.

## What happens

A lively scene in a cabaret where a Black dancer performs the buck dance with joyful defiance, observed by white patrons who laugh and pray. The dancer's refrain emphasizes skill and resilience.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Joy

The dancer's pride in skill and the exuberant performance despite the racial gaze.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The dancer who performs and sings the refrain.

## Key lines

> Me an’ ma baby’s Got two mo’ ways, Two mo’ ways to do de buck!

My partner and I have two additional dance moves for the buck dance.

_Celebrates mastery and creativity in dance._

> White folks, laugh! White folks, pray!

White audience members, you may laugh or pray in response to our performance.

_Highlights the racial divide and the performer's awareness of the audience's reactions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters/negro-dancer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_15_se/chapters