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This was the time before the slave trade became very popular. West Africans had complete freedom to practise their customs and dances at this time. At initiations, harvest festivals, marriages, and funerals, among other events and rituals, West African dances were performed. These dances were vital in helping people feel a connection to their spiritual and cultural history. -
Many Africans were forced to travel during this time to other locations, including America and other nations.African dances underwent significant transformations throughout this period as they blended with other civilizations to create new dance forms.
Another point is that African slaves frequently used dancing as a means of identification and resistance. It became the means by which the enslaved people would protect their cultural heritage and express their opposition to its exploitation. -
Higher-ranking European colonists tried their hardest to repress West African customs at this period, naturally including traditional dances. Cultural adaptations and the blending of aspects from indigenous, European, and African civilizations resulted from this. -
African nations' independence sparked a resurgence of interest in and appreciation of their own traditions, which included dancing. Traditional dances were interwoven into national festivities and identities in several West African nations. West African dancing styles started to change and fit into contemporary environments. They were a source of pride for the culture and were frequently employed to convey regional and national identity. -
This time goes to the present day. Dance traditions from West Africa are becoming more well-known and assimilated into international culture as a result of the globalization of West African music and dance. West African dance and music have been fused with other international dance and music traditions via the collaboration of contemporary West African musicians and dancers.