Many geneticists argue that the human race originated in Africa. Whether this is true or not, one thing is certain, and that is that dancing has been a prevelant part in the African culture for hundreds if not thousands of years. In Africa however, dance has a lot more significance than just a recreational past-time.
Africans learn how to move their bodies with rythym from a young age. Children can be seen carried by their mothers, moving their head to the beat the drummers. As the children grow, they learn and observe village gatherings, where everyone participates in the dance. When they come of age, special celebrations take place to introduce them to adulthood, where they must also dance with fervor and energy, to show off their strength and prowess. Curiously enough, inter-gender dancing is frowned upon; men and women dance seperatily, and are together rarely when the drum beats start.
Dancing is also considered a religious experience. Oftentimes used to aid in the summoning of a spirit or a god, dancing is a way to channel spiritual energy into the physical realm. The dances are used to honor the Orishas, which are the deities found in any forms of African religion. Other times, they are used to seek help or guidance; on occasion these dancing are used to appease an angry deity.
Amongst warriors as well, dancing is used to keep fitness and to hone skills in combat. Whilst dancing, battlefield tactics such as stabbs and thrusts are mimics, each phrase and movement used to maximize the use of the human body. Although its not all war, as dances of love are also performed on special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries. As well as a way to show respect and welcome, such dances exist to welcome a newcomer.
A part of everday life, traditional African dance has proven that even interspersed along harsh terrain, people can still enjoy themselves to the rythym of the drum, the coming together of people, and the joy of song.
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