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1500
Early 1500's- Who
It is unclear who invented dancing in West Africa; however, the African dance was originated in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many of the traditional rhythms and beats began on tribes.
People would come together and dance to build community, and relationships. During the time of the slaves, the slaves would come together at the end of the day and dance as a way of having fun and seeing the good in everyone. Dancing was a way of bringing everyone together. -
1500
Early 1500's- How it All Began
It is unclear who invented dancing in West Africa; however, the African dance was originated in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many of the traditional rhythms and beats began on tribes.
People would come together and dance to build community, and relationships. During the time of the slaves, the slaves would come together at the end of the day and dance as a way of having fun and seeing the good in everyone. Dancing was a way of bringing everyone together. -
1550
Mid 1500's
Back in the 1500’s, there were many tribes scattered along African grounds. Each tribe created its own dance or set of dances to perform for their tribes to honor their culture, community, and country. When people come together to dance, they bounce off other people's dance moves. African dances were created from diverse cultures because people are bringing their own culture into dance. By incorporating culture through dance, it helped the people of west Africa come together. -
1700's- Formation of Dance
Slavery was the beginning of many dance forms that make up the dance culture in Africa. When African slaves were sold to the Caribbean islands, many slaves came together to collaborate dance ideas and form relationships with each other. Dancing as a community was the African’s way of staying positive during their hardships and to honor their country. The Caribbean had a major influence on African dance due to the outpouring ethnicity and cultures in these countries. -
1600's- Importance of Dance in West Africa
West African dances serve as communication, connection with the spirit world, a celebration of life, and an affirmation of one's place in the community. In African culture, dances play a role in religious rituals; they mark rites of passage including initiations to adulthood and weddings. They also perform dances at communal ceremonies such as harvest celebrations, funerals, and coronation. They offer entertainment to honor those that we have gained and lost in our lives. -
1800's- Dance Styles
Over time, many dance styles have evolved throughout the years representing African culture. These dance styles are; Agahu, Yankadi, Agbekor, Munchongoyo, Kpanlogo, Mohobelo, and Adumu. All these dance forms consist of unique features that have influence from South American countries; especially the Carribean. Children began learning the African dances at an early age to honor their ancestors. They would learn basic movements with their legs, arms, and bodies. -
1823- Evolution of Dance Culture
Dance played a vital role for people to express and communicate themselves to others. In Africa, music and dance was a social activity that everyone participated in. Dance helped others connect with their homeland while they were living oversees in Europe and America. They thought dance stated life and the outlook of the future. When dancing, dancers follow a drum's beat using their bodies and energy. The dances are created by a steady rhythm from clapping, stomping, singing, and sound effects. -
1958- Black Dancer
Alvin Ailey was an African dancer born in 1931, who became a dancer and choreographer for black activists. In 1958, Alvin created the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York city. This company brought west African dance and culture to America. Alvin's theater is unique because it focused on the theatrical sides of African dances and techniques. Dancers from all around the world audition for his theater because they would include several types of dances and dancers from around the world. -
1990- African Dances in America
To keep the west African dance culture alive in America, it was important that dancers and choreographers of African dance bring and share their knowledge to the surrounding areas. Ballet Creole, located in Toronto is a professional performance company that not only focuses on dance, but they also want to educate others on the importance of music and culture behind it. -
2000's- Growing of the Dance Community
As years went by, the west African dance began to become popular around the world. Black activists would go around cities and provinces to share their knowledge of dance and west African culture. Now, people are taking classes to learn the dance movements of west African dances.