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1500
African Tribes
Many African tribes sole purpose is to pass along their traditional dances. It is the purpose of the "dance master" in the tribes to make sure that everyone knows the proper dance movements without hesitation. African dances have remained the exact same for centuries. It is important that many of these dances be performed with no changes. Each dance is closely related to the culture and beliefs of the specific tribe that created it. Dances are past down from generation to generation. -
1500
Dance through slavery
Slave labor in Africa became a worldwide commodity in the 1500s. As Africans were stolen from their homes and sold as slaves, they were dispersed across the world from South and North America to Europe and the Caribbean. Africans brought dance with them to these new places. Slaves were given more freedom to practice their traditions and they're dances. -
Other countries affecting African dance during slavery
Slavery was the beginning of many dance forms that make up the dance culture in Africa still to this day. When African slaves were sold to the Caribbean islands, many of the dance styles collaborated with each other. The Caribbean had a major influence on African dance due to the flood of ethnicity and cultures in these countries. Influences also came from colonial French, Dutch and Spain. -
African Dance evolving
Many dance styles were evolved from 1500 when African dance began to present day. Many tribes created dances to celebrate different customs, traditions and life events. Some of the dance styles include: Agahu, Yankadi, Agbekor, Munchongoyo, Kpanlogo,Mohobelo, and Adumu. -
African Dance into the Western world
In 1958, dancer Alvin Ailey created the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City. This company brought African dance to the western world, it is unique because it focuses on the theatrical side of dance and is also based off of African techniques. Dancers from all around the world audition to be a part of Ailey because of how unique it is and how it was created to bring out the essence of African dance. -
African dance coming to Canada
In order for African dance culture to remain alive, it was important to bring this form of dance to different countries such as Canada. Ballet Creole is a professional performance company that specializes in African and Caribbean dance in Canada that was created in the 90's. The company focuses on educating on the importance of the African music in their culture. The company shows that integrating cultures into different ones is important. -
African Dance used today as a way to preserve African culture
In many traditional cultures music and dance is as much a part of everyday life. In Africa, as with other parts of the world, many dances tell stories. More than just for entertainment, it recounts history, conveys emotion, celebrates rites of passage, unifies communities as well as preserving culture.
