African Dance In Ghana

"In eight chapters, the author guides the reader through the history of dance in Ghana and West Africa: from the traditional dances at special occasions to contemporary performances in Ghana and elsewhere. The book is illustrated with photos, sketches and explanatory diagrams."--Book jacket.

The ancient tradition of African dance has influenced dance styles all over the world. It is used to commemorate many annual ceremonies and activities, such as rites of passage and the harvest, and it is also an important form of recreation, religious expression, and storytelling. In African Dance, Second Edition, the varied cultures of Africa and their respective dances are explored, along with the effects that colonialism had on the art form.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble takes Ghana's national culture and interprets it in performance using authentic dance forms adapted for local or foreign audiences. Often, says Paul Schauert, the aims of the ensemble and the aims of the individual performers work in opposition. Schauert discusses the history of the dance troupe and its role in Ghana's post-independence nation-building strategy and illustrates how the nation's culture makes its way onto the stage. He argues that as dancers negotiate the terrain of what is or is not authentic, they also find ways to express their personal aspirations, discovering, within the framework of nationalism or collective identity, that there is considerable room to reform national ideals through individual virtuosity.

For more than thirty years, The Institute for Cultural Research (ICR) led the field in stimulating debate and examining ideas within the humanities. Among the Institute's active followers was J. D. Salinger, Robert Graves, Nobel Laureate Doris Lessing, and many others from all walks of life.During its long and distinguished service, ICR published dozens of papers on cultural and cross-cultural themes. Written by scientists, scholars, novelists, musicians, and an array of others, these papers formed a unique resource that is as relevant today as it was decades ago.In the years since ICR ceased formal activities, The Idries Shah Foundation has continued the spirit of its work, and have republished the full range of original monographs.

Describes many African dances and discusses their origins and their significance as a reflection of almost every aspect of African life.

"The dance and musical traditions of Ghana's four main ethnic groups are covered comprehensively: general concepts of music, dance and performance; cultural perspectives; performance; and form and structure of musical types and dance-drumming ceremonies. Historical, geographical, cultural and social backgrounds of the groups are included. Provides curriculum development, teaching methods, photographs, maps, and musical scores"--Provided by publisher.

"African Dance with Passion is a vibrant introduction to African dances from across the continent. The book breaks down the various dance techniques, educates students about the cultures that created the dances, and explains the meanings behind them. Students will learn the detailed choreography of ten different dances and become familiar with the elements, such as the use of a live drummer, that make African dance unique. The book helps students prepare mind and body for the dancing and introduces foundational techniques. It provides a template for dances that can be taught in classes and teaches readers the history of the various dance forms. African Dance with Passion makes the case for this spirited, energetic genre as both a form of art and a form of exercise that can bring health benefits and great joy to the participant. It is intended to accompany the curriculum of courses in beginning African dance. It can also be used as a supplemental reader for classes on African history or cultural studies. Kukuwa Kyereboah-Nuamah was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. She has been dancing since the age of three and is now an adjunct faculty member at the George Mason University School of Dance. Professor Kyereboah-Nuamah is also a certified health fitness consultant who seeks to educate the dance and fitness worlds about the health benefits of dance. In addition, she is the founder of the Gye Nyame African Cultural Dance Company and Kukuwa, LLC and has garnered international acclaim as a dancer and choreographer."