African Dance Technique I

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the diverse traditions of African dance, emphasizing both cultural context and technical proficiency. Students study a range of traditional and contemporary African dance forms, develop an understanding of the relationship between movement and live drumming, participate in improvisational practices that highlight rhythm, embodiment, and community. Through studio practice, discussion, and reflection, students explore African dances as both artistic expression and a cultural practice rooted in history and communal values. Students are encouraged to engage with the historical and social contexts that shape African dance traditions, cultivating technical proficiency while developing an appreciation for the cultural significance of performance. No prior African dance experience is required.