AFST 229 - Beginning African Dance

Credits: 4

Dance is one of the oldest art forms in Africa. It reflects the culture of people in many contexts. This course introduces students to authentic African dance traditions from Ghana. It explores the meaning, values and various contexts in which dance is performed among Ghanaian societies. Beginning with basic timeline and dance steps, students will understand various movements, gestures and expressions as a significant means of communicating ideas and enforcing social bonds. Students will also learn songs that accompany the dances to deepen their understanding and interrelatedness of holistic African and Ghanaian music and dance cultures.