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 term 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:

African Roots

Techniques in West and Central African dance will be taught as pre-cursers to the Caribbean vernacular. African dance as the root of Caribbean dances but also as a direct lineage to the peoples transported to the New World in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Caribbean Vernacular

As dispersed peoples, the culture and dances of the Caribbean pull on transported recreations of African traditions. As well, the dances are linked to the new circumstances of these transported peoples, including their shared culture with Europeans and Indigenous peoples.

These include music, dance and drama for Carnival, including ‘world dance’ steps such as the Carnival march, samba, salsa and merengue, spirit/orishas dances, various drumming traditions and creative choreography. These can take many forms in the New World, and the Caribbean in particular. However, there are some consistent through-lines among these transported groups:

-orishas/spirit dances of possession linked to West African gods

-secular, outdoor festivals with links to religious dance and music, changed for the greater community’s participation. These include Samba, Salsa and processional hip and feet movements.

-accessible, communal, processional dance, drum and vocal choices for all bodies and voices

These features, which are consistent across the traditions of the transported peoples of the trans-Atlantic slave trade (in Haiti, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, etc.), raise awareness and grow the membership of participants in these Afro-Caribbean dances.

A third component are the Theatrical Dance traditions of the 19^th century and onward, employed by choreographers and ethnographers. Contemporary dance and theatrical devices are used to re-create Ritual Dances for the cultural benefit of these transported peoples and their communities and to preserve and grow these traditions.

Students will learn West African and Central African dance techniques, Carnival and Orishas Dances. There will be an attention to technique for feet, hips, bust, head and hands, with a focus on the connection between these.

The Instructor’s Company experience in Laura Monteiro’s Balet Tropicalia (Vancouver/Brazil), Thelma Gibson’s Afro-Jazz Drum & Dance Ensemble(Vancouver/USA/Caribbean) and Zab Maboungou’s Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata(Montreal/Congo) will support the dissemination of these traditions.

 

Course Content/4 Units

*’Rhythms and Movements of Central Africa’ dance technique, developed by choreographer Zab Maboungou. This technique identifies core concepts and worldview/body relationships for Central African dance. A firm foundation for all Afro-centric dance techniques.

West African dance technique. An integrated approach to the relationship between head, hands and feet, the African dance function of Call & Response and Polyrhythm (multiple time signatures operating as 1 whole).

Circum-Caribbean nations: Brazil

Spirit/Possession Dances

*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.

Secular/Carnival Dances

*Afoxé, a traditional rhythm with spiritual elements, this dance and music was central to the fight for equal rights for Brazil’s black population during the 1970’s. It is driven by the cow bell and rhythmic steps, staccato at times and melodic at other times.

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.

English/Creole Caribbean

*Carnival Choreography/ Hot! Hot! Hot!

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, and 2 Orishas

*familiarize themselves with a basic knowledge of the role of dance in the lives of Afro-Caribbean and Circum-Caribbean  peoples (Brazilians)

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

Grading

Materials

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