EXCERPT FROM MY AFRICAN DANCE CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a physical class with live musicians requiring students to actively engage in activities designed to prepare the body to be able to respond to the demands that African dance requires. The student should have a basic comprehension of the connection between their bodies and movement to percussion instruments. In addition, the student should possess: a). Rhythm b). Physical agility c). Stamina d). Coordination e). Desire and willingness to learn
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the semester the beginner student will be able to:
a). Physically and mentally able to respond to the demand of the rhythms of the drums
b). Distinguish between rhythms and polyrhythmic patterns and percussive compositions
c). Identify the instruments that will be used in the class by the musicians
d). Demonstrate the relationship that the movements have to specific part of the rhythms that are danced to
e). Know the history of dance; learn, accompanying chants and songs
f). Appreciate and understand the spiritual significance that the dance has in the culture of the African people, African American people and its effect on other dance forms
g). Perform and execute movements from tradition African and African American dances. Among the dances taught include: Funga, originated in Liberia as a traditional dance of welcome (the first traditional African American dance), Lamban, Bambara dance of celebration and healing, Manjiani, Bambara social dance, Ajaja, Nigerian ritual dance, Sunnu, Bambara dance of celebration, BaTaKaTo, Nigerian social dance, Calinda, originated in Haiti, performed in Congo Square, New Orleans, Mai, Gede, Nago and Yanvalou, Haitian religious dances, Wolosa Dong, Bambara dance of breaking the chains of indentured servitude, Akonkon, wrestler dance of the Jola people, DounDoun Ba, Guinean dance of the strong men, KakiLambe & Sinte, dance of celebration from the Baga people of Guinea, and Basket Dance, dance of the market women from the Bushe people of the Congo.
h). Collaborate and choreograph an African dance using movements taught in the class.
