Dance 142 - Introduction to West African Dance

An introduction to the history and vocabulary of West African dance, emphasizing the central role that dance plays in African cultures. This class will introduce students to movements from traditional concepts to neo-traditional West African dance forms and the African Diaspora. Students will learn to identify the aesthetic principles and develop physical and artistic skills such as explicit sound, music, and movement connection; call and response; body isolation; and the individuality of movement expressions. Additionally, they will practice playing an instrument, singing, and learning with an emphasis on community building and individual potential.