Applause Quote by Judith Jamison
“I can't really hear the audience applause when I'm on stage. I'm totally immersed in the piece. But sometimes I get a lot of it and wonder, "Now, why did they applaud here?" If it's a white crowd, they usually applaud because they think it's a pretty movement. If it's a black crowd, it's usually because they identify with the message.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Dance Magazine, 2015
The performer loses self‑consciousness, yet wonders about audience reactions tied to racial dynamics.
In simple terms: Artists can be unaware of why audiences applaud.
Key Takeaway
Notice how audience identity shapes response.
Themes
performance
audience perception
racial dynamics
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- theatre
- concerts
- dance recitals
- public speaking
Key Concepts
identity
social signaling
emotional immersion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does audience composition affect your interpretation of feedback?
- Can you separate personal immersion from external validation?
A Different Perspective
Applause may be influenced by bias, not just merit.
![“How many watched the President's speech last night? [half-hearted audience applause] How many watched American Idol ? [thundering applause] Okay, there you go! You get the government you deserve.” quote by Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bcd/jay-leno-210_american-idol_how-many-watched-the-president-s-speech_2729344.jpg)
![“All the shows we did pre-airdate, and I'd come out - "Rob Lowe!" - and it was [Offers bored applause.] After the show aired? I came out - "Rob Lowe!" - and the place was, like, bedlam. And then the next week, they wouldn't let anyone under the age of 20 into the audience. And I'm going, "So that's…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/rob-lowe-855_age_all-the-shows-we-did-pre-airdate-and-i-d_31307.jpg)
