African /Diasporic Dance

UG - Undergraduate

This course offers an exploration of dance traditions from West Africa and the African diaspora, examining the importance of their cultural significance, historical roots, and dynamic evolution. Students will learn foundational movements of traditional West African dance and the adaptations of these forms within diasporic communities across the globe. Through movement practice and cultural study, students will discover how these dance traditions express themes of identity, community, and resilience.

Each semester will focus on either West African or diasporic dance, with connections drawn between the two to highlight shared influences and distinct expressions. Whether engaging with traditional dances from Ghana and surrounding regions or diasporic forms across the Americas and Caribbean, students will gain insight into dance as a living archive of history and culture, embodying the spirit and stories of African and diasporic communities.

RGDANC - Dance School Only