Associate Professor | Department of Theatre & Dance
Howard University
What is Africana Dance & Why Study Its History?
Africana Dance History
Africana dances are the dances of people of African descent worldwide. Engaging the history of these dance systems exposes all who inquire to the consistent and ever-changing cultures, experiences, and aspirations of people of African descent that reside inside and outside of the continent of Africa. The history of Africana dance is rich, and it is largely under-researched.
The study of Africana dance history immerses the individual in the collective memory of peoples of African descent around the world, and enables one to approach and understand current developments from the perspective of experience.
The study of Africana dance history builds character by contributing to the development of broad-minded, culturally aware individuals. It fills in gaping holes in knowledge and It brings into the conversation elements of human experience that are frequently not discussed in academia, but are nonetheless significant for the understanding of world culture and history.
For more information, contact Dr. Abiola here.