In Pursuit of an African Traditional Dance

In Pursuit of an African Traditional Dance PDF Author: Thomas Jing
Publisher: African Books Collective
ISBN: 9956552313
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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Book Description
Africa is rich in (neo) traditional dances; yet, not much exists in the form of written literature on the subject. Even worse, existing documents date back to the colonial period and are often disparaging. Dance to Africans is what martial arts are to Asians. Embedded in them are some of the solutions to many of the problems wracking the African diaspora: gang violence, drug addiction, and high school dropout rates, etc. When Guinea's Ballets Africains first bursts on the international scene in the late fifties and sixties, the black revolution in the US was in full swing. The troupe's emancipatory message enkindled in African Americans a new sense of cultural pride and a return to their African roots. For once, dance became something else other than the ballet. With that burst of enthusiasm came the need to introduce African dances in the academia. Most of the research, however, focused mainly on dances which use drums (djembe). Departing from that tradition, in this detailed and richly choreographed ethnography on the Buum Oku Dance Yaounde, Thomas Jing's investigation into a xylophone-based dance opens up new research avenues and exposes the challenges involved. An Afrocentric theoretical framework to the research counters imperialist notions of African dances, thus setting them up as a tool for emancipation.

In Pursuit of an African Traditional Dance

In Pursuit of an African Traditional Dance PDF Author: Thomas Jing
Publisher: African Books Collective
ISBN: 9956552313
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188

Get Book Here

Book Description
Africa is rich in (neo) traditional dances; yet, not much exists in the form of written literature on the subject. Even worse, existing documents date back to the colonial period and are often disparaging. Dance to Africans is what martial arts are to Asians. Embedded in them are some of the solutions to many of the problems wracking the African diaspora: gang violence, drug addiction, and high school dropout rates, etc. When Guinea's Ballets Africains first bursts on the international scene in the late fifties and sixties, the black revolution in the US was in full swing. The troupe's emancipatory message enkindled in African Americans a new sense of cultural pride and a return to their African roots. For once, dance became something else other than the ballet. With that burst of enthusiasm came the need to introduce African dances in the academia. Most of the research, however, focused mainly on dances which use drums (djembe). Departing from that tradition, in this detailed and richly choreographed ethnography on the Buum Oku Dance Yaounde, Thomas Jing's investigation into a xylophone-based dance opens up new research avenues and exposes the challenges involved. An Afrocentric theoretical framework to the research counters imperialist notions of African dances, thus setting them up as a tool for emancipation.

African Dance

African Dance PDF Author: Kariamu Welsh-Asante
Publisher: Infobase Publishing
ISBN: 1604134771
Category : Dance
Languages : en
Pages : 137

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Book Description
The ancient tradition of African dance has influenced dance styles all over the world. It is used to commemorate many annual ceremonies and activities, such as rites of passage and the harvest, and it is also an important form of recreation, religious expression, and storytelling. In African Dance, Second Edition, the varied cultures of Africa and their respective dances are explored, along with the effects that colonialism had on the art form.

Brothers of the 'Bah Yah!'

Brothers of the 'Bah Yah!' PDF Author: Curtis Kemal Nance
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
Inaugurated by Kariamu Welsh in 1970, Umfundalai is an evolving contemporary African dance technique that draws movements from African and Diasporan dances. As one of the first of thirteen men to study and perform the technique, Umfundalai reified a North American African male identity, empowering me to navigate American and African American social scripts that posit dancing as a non-masculine activity. This study employs an autoethnographic lens to illuminate men's constructions of gender in Umfundalai. Specifically, the research explores maleness, an experienced gendered agency, among eight male practitioners, including the researcher. Brothers of the Bah Yáh is framed as a multi-layered inquiry that applies phenomenological values and procedures to forward an auto-ethnographic intention. The study's qualitative methodology draws on Max van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology and Anselm Strauss's applied grounded theory, as well as historical description and dance analysis. Sources of data include interviews with seven Umfundalai men, Umfundalai's progenitor and first dance master; an in-depth research journal recording my own lived experience descriptions and memories of dancing Umfundalai; and videos of selected Umfundalai repertory. The study is informed by the literature of masculine studies, highlighting the social function of masculinities as scripted and learned ideals. There is a dearth of resources theorizing the African American presence in African dance on the American concert stage. Drawing on primary sources, the empirical findings of the study are framed in a historical analysis of the emergence of a male presence in Umfundalai since 1993, including male-inspired developments in the technique. Analysis of in-depth interviews reveal that performing Umfundalai choreography affords men an opportunity to dance a self-determined construction of gender performance and that Umfundalai studio practice can be a site for men's affirmation of their `dancer' identities as well as friction with gender performance. Further, while Kariamu Welsh's approach to developing Umfundalai's movement system may be described as gender-neutral, the continuance of Umfundalai by its dance masters substantiated a gendered Umfundalai in which movement and performance were aligned with scripted conventional masculine tropes. The Brothers of the Bah Yáh: The Pursuit of Maleness in the Umfundalai Tradition of African Dance reveals that `the pursuit of maleness' was a unique construction experienced only by the researcher. Contradicting my initial presumption, the other men in this study found their gendered agency outside of Umfundalai. Moreover, a large majority of men in this study draw significantly on conventional masculinities, namely strength and power, to feel their maleness. Further, a spirituality of solidarity was uncovered - an embodied masculinity that can arise while dancing Umfundalai choreography and observing other men dancing at the same time. The dissertation concludes that expressions of maleness as described by Umfundalai's dancing men have currency in sports and in the larger American and African American communities out of which Umfundalai's dance culture emerges. Strength, power, and spiritual transformation situated in similitude represent commonalities of male experiences. At the same time, Umfundalai choreography can house multiple masculinities. Dances like Kariamu Welsh's Raaahmonaaah! (1989) and my Genesis: The Royal Dance of Kings (1996) serve as portals for masculinities that dismantle the hegemony that erodes the community in which it exists. Further research is needed to understand how dancing men can be a force that dismantles racism, sexism, and homophobia.

Dooplé : the Eternal Law of African Dance

Dooplé : the Eternal Law of African Dance PDF Author: Alphonse Tiérou
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 3718653060
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description
The African dancer requires complete technical mastery and must respect the precise rules handed down by the society of the Masques de Sagesse. Alphonse Tirou is from the Ouenon people of the Ivory Coast. His major study is the first written record of this oral tradition and it explains the movements, codes and meanings of the traditional African dance. It is extremely valuable reading for all those studying or interested in Africa, as dance is such an essential part of this continent's cultural heritage.A former student of the National Institute of Arts at Abidjan, Alphonse Tirou has been a senior dignitary in the Kman of the Masques de Sagesse for over twenty years. He is currently teaching at the Bloa Nam (Movements) dance school in Nmes, which he founded in 1979 and which is still the only school worldwide to research African dance.

Doople

Doople PDF Author: Alphonse Tierou
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136644520
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description
The African dancer requires complete technical mastery and must respect the precise rules handed down by the society of the Masques de Sagesse. Alphonse Tirou is from the Ouenon people of the Ivory Coast. His major study is the first written record of this oral tradition and it explains the movements, codes and meanings of the traditional African dance. It is extremely valuable reading for all those studying or interested in Africa, as dance is such an essential part of this continent's cultural heritage.A former student of the National Institute of Arts at Abidjan, Alphonse Tirou has been a senior dignitary in the Kman of the Masques de Sagesse for over twenty years. He is currently teaching at the Bloa Nam (Movements) dance school in Nmes, which he founded in 1979 and which is still the only school worldwide to research African dance.

History Dances

History Dances PDF Author: Ofosuwa M. Abiola
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429767846
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
The field of history is founded on the interrogation of written documents from the past. However, culture is the center of life in Africa. As a result, in the past – and to a degree in the present – the process for documenting events in Africa was not written, it was performed. History Dances: Chronicling the History of Traditional Mandinka Dance argues that a wealth of information is housed within traditional Mandinka dance and, consequently, the dances can be used as an African-derived primary source for writing African history. Ofosuwa M. Abiola highlights the overall value of studying Mandinka dance history specifically, and African dance history generally, as well as addressing the issue of scarcity with regard to primary sources for writing African history. History Dances proves to be a vital read for both undergraduate students and scholars in the fields of dance history, African history, performance studies, and cultural anthropology.

Sokodae

Sokodae PDF Author: Drid Williams
Publisher: eBook Partnership
ISBN: 1784798908
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
For more than thirty years, The Institute for Cultural Research (ICR) led the field in stimulating debate and examining ideas within the humanities. Among the Institute's active followers was J. D. Salinger, Robert Graves, Nobel Laureate Doris Lessing, and many others from all walks of life.During its long and distinguished service, ICR published dozens of papers on cultural and cross-cultural themes. Written by scientists, scholars, novelists, musicians, and an array of others, these papers formed a unique resource that is as relevant today as it was decades ago.In the years since ICR ceased formal activities, The Idries Shah Foundation has continued the spirit of its work, and have republished the full range of original monographs.

In Pursuit for Freedom

In Pursuit for Freedom PDF Author: Levee Kadenge
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1546256687
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
In Pursuit for Freedom speaks for itself. Being born in rural Zimbabwe and going to school there has given me enough stamina to write a book about my life. I have always wanted to be myself. It was when I was growing up that I realized that one can expand his area of influence. Joining Christian ministry and then faced with stationing in remote Zimbabwe was challenging. This was the beginning of long journey, which ended in United Kingdom. The liberation that came as a result of being exposed helped me love my country. Coming back home to a situation where there was oppression, even under black rule, was very suffocating. I then pursued a life that was looking at the suffering masses of Zimbabwe. Being a Methodist, one is liberated to develop yourself. In spite of the powerful regime that intimidated me, I resolved to speak on behalf of the people.

The Dance of Africa

The Dance of Africa PDF Author: Lee Warren
Publisher: Prentice Hall
ISBN:
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 104

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Book Description
Describes many African dances and discusses their origins and their significance as a reflection of almost every aspect of African life.

Africa Dances

Africa Dances PDF Author: Geoffrey Gorer
Publisher: London : J. Lehmann
ISBN:
Category : Africa, West
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
" ... Describes the culture and customs of the West African negroes and the impact of the European culture on African life, bitterly indicts European colonial administration in West Africa, particularly that of the French [...] current nationalist trends in Africa today."--Back cover.