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1500
Start of Evolution
1500's Many forms of dance existed in Africa. The dance traditions and rituals were developing and they practiced these dances freely. -
1500
Movement Meaning
African dance developed meaning. Every motion had a name and purpose. Each dance was performed for multiple reasons such as celebrations of life, royalty, wealth, transitioning to woman or man hood and death. -
Mingling of African Dance Forms
When Africans were taken into the slave trade they were dispersed all over. For example, Afro-Caribbean dance developed when they were taken to Spain. Other places were Britain and colonial french. -
Step Dance Today
Step dance became traditional. Using qualities of the African dance forms, step came about through sororities and fraternities (Divine 9).
You see this form in high schools,colleges, competitions etc. -
Modern day Stepping Arises
Step has a big influence from gumboot dance where the dancers are creating the music with foot work. -
Spreading
Step Dance spreads to other ethnicity like Asians and Hispanics. They are the most prevalent after African Americans. -
Integration of forms
https://www.stepafrika.org/company/what-is-stepping/ Companies like StepAfrika try to incorporate dance styles such as tap, hip hop, and modern to continue the trend of evolution. -
present
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpCBMwAweDI
Step is still practiced in the African American community heavily and is seen in competitions, churches, and schools. It integrates social dance such as the "naenae" and "whip", musical theater elements and most importantly, African roots.