To touch the infinity of a far horizon: a transnational history of transcultural appropriation in Beth Dean's Corroboree (1954)

In 1954, a ballet inspired by and celebrating Aboriginal dance performance was presented to wide critical acclaim in Australia. The ballet's American choreographer, Beth Dean, danced the lead role of the Boy Initiate, reproducing dance steps and movements which she had recently learnt from Indigenous dancers in central and northern Australia, in combination with classical and contemporary dance steps. Rapturous reviews followed 'Miss Dean' told the story of an Aboriginal boy's 'torm ent ... on her mobile face and responsive body', wrote one reviewer. 'Look at her too long and one gains an unforgettable impression of the primitive, naturalistic fears of the aborigines.' Another reviewer 'saw not a dancer but a member of an ancient tribe'.