-
1500
Slave Trade
African dance developed greatly in the years of slavery. Africans were taken from their homes and enslaved in countries like the Europe and South America. The enslaved Africans brought dance with them, although cultural expression like dance was not fostered in their new environments. -
Influences on Dance
Dance styles from the Caribbean, African countries, the British, Spain and more became influences of African dance and mixed together to create an even more intricate dance style. -
New styles of dance
Although mistreatment of africans was so intense at this time, racism showing itself through overt acts of hate such as minstrel shows, where white men would paint their faces black, and imitate African dance and sining , there were also positives. The creation of African dance styles such as Agahu, Yankadi, Agbekor, Munchongoyo, Kpanlogo, Mohobelo and Adumu took place, creating the ability to share more stories, beliefs and values to an even wider group of people. -
The Creole Show
The creole show was produced. The first dance created by blacks to become popular with whites. After being dehumanized and simonized over years, a group of black dancers decided to reclaim their power in a creation called the Creole show. This show features africans in a more dignified way then they had ever been before, and takes back the common stereotype of ignorant, lazy negros with talented, intellectual Black Americans. If it weren't for African dance, this wouldn't have happened. -
South African Apartheid
In 1948 when South Africa was introduced to apartheid, African dance developed and changed, even creating new dances. One of these being gumboot dancing , which was developed by miners during apartheid, when music and dancing wasn't allowed -
The "Normalization" of Traditional African Dance
Many attribute African dance becoming well known in the western world to the Alvin Ailey American dance theatre which was created in 1958. The dance at this theatre company was based off of traditional African techniques, and somewhat normalized African dance in western society. -
Development of African Dance Companies
African dance companies started developing in more countries like Canada. BalletCreole, a dance company that specializes in African and Caribbean dance was created. The integration of African culture in different societies is incredibly beneficial.