1978 Photo of Black Youth Dancing Goes Viral

A photograph of young people dancing at Wolverhampton's Culture Centre in 1978 has become an iconic image, viewed across the world and now on display in the city's Grand theatre as part of an exhibition. The image, captured by photographer Chris Steele-Perkins, shows a group of young Black people immersed in a night of music and dancing.

The photograph is part of the V&A East exhibition The Music Is Black: A British Story. Vivienne Dawes, the central dancer in the photograph, was unaware that her photo was being taken. She can still remember the atmosphere inside the venue, saying that when the music hit, they felt no pain and were showing that they're Black sisters enjoying reggae music.

The image has been recreated in a painting by artist Claudette Johnson, which will also appear in the Wolverhampton exhibition. Winston Logan, who appears in the photo, arrived in Britain about five years before the photo was taken. The Culture Centre on Clarence Street was a hub for music, dancing, and community for young Black people in Wolverhampton.

## Why it matters The photograph is significant not only because of its iconic status but also because it captures a moment in time when young Black people in Wolverhampton were able to express themselves and enjoy music and dancing together. The image has been viewed across the world and continues to attract attention, with its display at the Grand theatre allowing the people in the photo to share their stories for the first time.

The exhibition at the Grand theatre provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their history and culture. The photograph and the stories behind it are a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together and transcend time and place. As Vivienne Dawes said, the music transported them to another planet, and the image continues to transport people to that moment in time.