There was a time when dancing was seen as unlawful. In Birmingham, dancing in public, which included bars, parks, restuarants, and any other public place, was outlawed. This banned ended in the 50's, with the arrival of a new consciousness towards movement and the body. Journing back to Africa, dancing is and was considered a sacred partice and this carried over ino the socialazation in Birmingham. Fines and penalties were issued to people and the owners of these establishments if they were caught violating the law.

Pittsburgh social policies on dancing were not identical to Birmingham's but they were similar. Dancing was not outlawed in Pittsburgh, but it was restricted and defined by certain guidelines. This difference could possibly reflect the differences between the North and the South. The relgious affliation was much stronger in the South which resulted to many bans, whereas the North was more liberal. Dancing in Pittsburgh in the 50's was confined to celebratory events. Dancing was promoted as a way of bringing the community together with a common interest and goal.
Today, Birmingham and Pittsburgh are cities that have overcome the social stigmas that were accompanied with dancing publicly. With the social atmospheres, in both cities, changing you find a change in the views and ways that people feel about dancing. Because Pittsburgh and Birmingham are home of major universities, there is more dancing then it was in the 50's. Similar to many major cities, dance clubs bring those same communal rituals that once happened underground to light. Dancing IS always fun when it's done with others.
  In Pittsburgh, you can find places to go and things to do by visting the Pittsburgh Black Net website