Dancing in West Africa

  • 1500

    The Start of African Dance

    The Start of African Dance
    Traditional African Dance began when African slaves were brought to North and South America. the slaves used dance as a way to re-connect with their culture and homeland.
  • Other Countries Dance

    Other Countries Dance
    Slavery began many dance forms that make up the dance culture in Africa. Many of the dance styles mixed together from when the slaves were sent to the Caribbean islands.
  • New Role For Dancers

    New Role For Dancers
    The Malian Tourist Office created a new role for the dancers as entertainers for colonial officers. This eventually became regular paid performances for tourists visiting the villages.
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

    Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
    Ailey launched the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre to honour Black culture through dance.