AFRICAN DANCE II

Prerequisites: DNCE BC2252 or permission of instructor.

In West Africa, dance is part of daily life. It is used to mark occasions such a birth,  death, harvest, and marriage. It is also used to unite the community in times of  crisis. West African dance is not as much a strict technique as it is a movement  coming from the spirit and the rhythm of the drum and the energy of the people.  While there are certain steps that go with specific rhythms, it leaves space for the  individual interpretation and improvisations which is an important element. Dancing  is more about the communication between dancer and drummer. The movement of  West African dance tends to be energetic and big. It is very expressive, and the  energy is outward. 

Some African dance steps are taken directly from daily activities such as planting or  hunting. Most, however, are an expression of joy or release of the spirit. Dancing is  done by communicating with a drummer to create positive energy. It is a way to  enjoy oneself and each other. 

In African dance, the name of the dance is the same as the name of the rhythm  played by the drummer. The individual steps that make up the dance do not have  names. 

In this course, we are going to be learning various West African dances such as  Sikko, Socco, Kuku, Mandiany, Farakorroba, Sunu, Soli, Lamba, Mandjo,  Diambadong, Doundounba, Kaolask, Thieboudjeune, Niarry-gorong, Ekongkong,  Wolossodong, Zaouly, Ngorong, Niakka, Maraka, Djansa and Lengeng/Kutiro.