African Dance Research Paper

Dance has always been the focal point in which Africans are able to let free through movements of emotion. In this essay I will discuss the history of African Dance and its importance to the African Culture. I will also discuss traditional African dance and the different types of African dance. Dance in the African culture is something that cannot be taken advantage of in the African Culture because it holds such a strong meaningful moment at the time of any occasion. Africa is very unique and diverse within its culture. The history of African Dance is all about the times when Africans were slaves to the Caucasians. Dance during those times were most important due to the fact that it was the way of expression. Dance was and is still being

Prayer can be desired when a person is in a time of need and protection. Some of the African Tribes perform this dance style “during the time of war (lifestyle).” The second dance type is ‘Warrior Dance.’ This type of dance includes “warfare movements and artistic movements (lifestyle).” During this dance the movements tend to be very aggressive. The third type of African dance is the ‘Coming of Age Dance.’ This dance type is typically used for celebration. This dance is an “important ritual in many African tribes (lifestyle).” Another type of dance is called the ‘Welcome Dance,’ this dance usually takes place when an event is being held and guest are to arrive. When the guest arrive they are greeted with the ‘Welcome Dance.’ This type of dance is used to “express feelings and happiness of the tribes (lifestyle).” There is also a dance called the ‘Love Dance,’ this dance is also a celebration dance. It can be recognized at events such as weddings and anniversaries. All these forms of dance are just the general type of dances performed in all tribes of

The first one is the ‘Warrior Dance,’ which is also known as Atamaga. This dance shows very significant movements which is why it stood out to me the most. It reminds me of war, fights and disagreements. The more action something reveals the more interesting it is to watch. During this dance the dancers use a horse tail to symbolize a knife or a weapon. With the horsetail the dancer moves it into a stabbing like movement which represents a killing. This type of dance takes on similes, metaphors and personification which is another reason as to why it is so easy to understand and connect with. One doesn’t have to go through war to know what it is liked to be stabbed. Sometimes being stabbed can be emotionally not physically. The warrior dance majority of the time is “performed at funerals and cultural events” (dancesofmotherland.com). This dance is unique way to express emotions of anger and