DANC 043. African Diaspora Traditions I

This course is an exploration of Diasporic West African dance and drum traditions through kinesthetic engagement and selected philosophical and aesthetic perspectives. This course will explore selected dance and drum traditions and their associated cultural functions as a way to enter an embodied dialogue in African Diasporic dance traditions. Primary focus will be placed on dance and drum traditions from Mali, Senegal, Guinea and Ghana as many of those dance and drum traditions have gained exposure in the West through National Dance Company tours. Dancers and drummers from these companies have relocated to the States and teach the repertory of their national dances for the last 60 years. The Philadelphia Diasporic dance and drum community is part of this rich legacy. The Swarthmore College Music and Dance Department commemorates 25 years of Diasporic African dance and drum traditions. Be part of the legacy.
Students enrolled in DANC 043 for academic credit are required to write several detailed journals and a short final reflection paper.

Open to all students.
Graded CR/NC.
0.5 credit or P.E.
Eligible for BLST
Fall 2024. Osayande.
Spring 2025. Osayande.
Fall 2025. Osayande.
Spring 2026. Osayande.
Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program

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