Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A studio course devoted to the development of movement skills through specific styles of dance. The content of the course changes every semester including techniques in Bhangra, Afro-Caribbian, Hip Hop and Contemporary. May repeat for credit. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is based on the knowledge of the instructor's 7 years in a professional Afro-Brazilian dance company, whose director, Laura Monteiro, disseminated the dance and cultural traditions of her birthplace, Salvador, Bahia. Located in the northeast of Brazil and bordered by the Atlantic ocean, Bahia was the processing point for more than one third of the slaves taken from Africa, later to be dispersed on plantations elsewhere in Brazil. This was due to sugarcane cultivation from the 16th to the 18th century. Bahia is also the religious capital of Brazil's Roman Catholic hierarchy and has the greatest number of churches per capita, more than any other Brazilian state capital (Wikipedia). With monuments to the church and slave trade, legacy of Portuguese colonialism, Indigenous Brazilians and African slaves – Brazil can boast one of the richest cultures in the world. And it shows in their dance!

Course content/4 units:

*West African & Central African dance and technique.

*Afoxé, a traditional rhythm with spiritual elements. It is driven by the cow bell and rhythmic steps, staccato at times and melodic at other times.

*Orishas, gods and goddesses of the Candomblé religion, were brought to Brazil with their African ancestors during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Many of their names and functions are identical to the West African Yoruba culture (present-day Nigeria). Many Afro-Brazilians identify with a god or goddess associated with their Catholic patron saint, i.e. Xango/Saint Barbara/Saint Jerome (Wikipedia). These gods and goddesses have powerful dance steps which correlate to their spiritual function, symbolic colours and attire. Afro-Brazilians perfect these dances to perform at Candomblé ceremonies, religious festivals and folkloric performances.

*Capoeira, Brazil's famous martial art composed of strong kicks, acrobatic feats and rhythmic escapes. Capoeira members wear white, as do the traditional Samba dancers of Bahia. Movements are led by a particular rhythm, also featuring the cowbell and drums.

*Samba! Brazil's national dance is fast and hypnotic. Like many countries who celebrate Carnival once a year, Samba dancers prepare in Samba Schools to show off their fabulous costumes, dance steps and themes on floats parading through the streets.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will work to:

*identify body intention, some social occasions and purposes of West & Central African dance

*identify the primary/basic rhythms and movements of Afoxé, Samba, Capoeira and 2 Orishas

*familiarize themselves with a basic knowledge of the role of dance in the lives of Afro-Brazilians and the country of Brazil, through an overview of the country's history

*expand movement vocabulary and musical 'ear' in order to perform the basic steps of each dance style

Grading

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING: