Knowledge Bank

The art of dance serves an essential component of life in the West African democracy of Ghana, and traditional dance forms still shape the basis for contemporary dance transformations. After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Ghana’s government officials spearheaded efforts to inspire a culturally-distinctive and united nation, which include the revival of dance’s prominent place in their society. However, narrow views still exist of dance in Africa, particularly when speaking from Western perspectives suggesting that art exists “for art’s sake.” This project, which I began during the summer of 2012 in Ho, Ghana, seeks to describe the function and necessity of dance in Ghana and to explore how traditional and contemporary movement aesthetics shape the community and, correspondingly, the individual. Not only did I have the privilege of studying traditional dance steps with local choreographers and of observing the general rhythm of everyday life, I also spoke with ten community members of Ho and its surrounding villages concerning their views about the role and importance of dance to them and their communities. Furthermore, I am developing a performance piece reflective of my research and of the unique connections that I discovered in my travels; the piece will be performed in April during the Department of Dance’s Spring Dance Festival. Through my research, I have identified three broad areas of interest related to Ghanaian dance and its significance: cultural preservation and definition, community solidarity, and existential purpose. My contention is that art does not simply lend itself to amusement but continues as an ever-evolving entity that persists for life’s sake. In peeling back the multiple political, social, and cultural layers, I may show global audiences how to appreciate this unfamiliar cultural form, in order to reveal deeper meaning and prompt appreciation and understanding.