What is Contemporary Dance in Africa?

Abstract

What is Contemporary Dance in Africa? Today’s African choreographers may change what you think you know about dance coming from the Continent by Darlisa Wajid-Ali When we think about African dance, what do we think? What kinds of sights, sounds, and associations does the phrase “African dance” conjure? Where do these ideas come from? The dance documentary Movement (R)evolution Africa (directed by Joan Frosch, 2007) seeks to redefine existing definitions of African artistry, dismantle colonial stereotypes, and reveal the presence of current contemporary artists creating work in Africa. This film can expand Western audiences’ knowledge about contemporary African artists and their respective creative processes. African dance as a relevant form, not frozen in time This documentary challenges the notion that African dance exists solely as a traditional form. “Traditional,” in this sense, refers to dances that are centuries old and continue to be taught and performed around the world. In West Africa, popular dances include Lamban, Sunu, Marjaani, and Adzogbo, to name just a few. In this film, prominent artists from different countries in Africa convincingly argue that their movement should be defined as contemporary dance. This title is justified because they are creating new work that speaks to their current environment. This film reveals how artists in Africa are engaging in new forms of expression. Many African dance classes in America are focused on the traditional steps, and I believe this creates an incomplete view that African dance stopped evolving after the 17th century. Many dancers might recognize and acknowledge the presence of African dance in forms like jazz and hip hop. However, when it comes to understanding movement that comes directly from the continent, I believe many dancers (myself included, before I saw this film) think of African dance as archaic, old, and related only to the past. The genre of African dance, as it is taught in many studios in America, tends to maintain the century- old steps. This documentary reveals that there are a multitude of artists in Africa making new and exciting work that is reflective of who they are and where they are today. These artists challenge the audience to re-think how we define African dance. After watching this film, I am inspired to learn more about them and visit their rehearsal/performance venues in their respective countries. It is my hope that by showing this film to other students, they too may be inspired to form bridges with dance artists in Africa. African dance as a universal, global phenomenon The presence of African dance can be felt all over the world. Yet, how aware are we of its presence? While this film highlights the talents of selected artists, I couldn’t help but wonder why I have heard of only one of them, U.S.-based Nora Chipaumarie. I happened to spot her picture in a small column in Dance Magazine once, and only once, which is surprising from a magazine that promotes artists from all over the world. I