If you’re like me, you started dancing at a young age with beginner tap and ballet classes. Then you continued on with classical ballet training and branched off into other styles such as jazz, hip-hop and modern. But one style that is not offered at the average dance studio is African dance. This semester I got the opportunity to take an African class and I suggest that anyone who can, should do the same. Here are my six reasons why:
1. It helps you to become more familiar with your body
As a dancer, you need to be completely familiar with every inch of your body and the way in which it moves. African is so much different than other styles that it forces you to completely reevaluate this. All of a sudden your spine is doing things you aren’t used to and your arms are moving in ways they never have before. You gain a deeper understanding of your body, which can translate into better movement in your other styles of dance.
2. It’s not just technique, it’s an entire culture
In ballet class, you practice at the barre and learn your plies and tendus. Yes, they have a history and are part of culture, but African dance is inherently connected to its culture. Each move has a story. By learning African dance, you are inevitably learning about their lifestyle. In almost every aspect of life, from celebrations and holidays to mourning and social gatherings, dance plays an important role. And now, in your own way, you are part of that.
3. It’s the best cardio workout…ever
As a Zumba instructor, I would have sworn that I taught the best type of cardio there was. And of course, everyone knows how efficient running is. But never did I imagine the workout I had coming when I walked into my African dance class. Fueled by the beating of the drums, it is so high energy with constant jumping, flinging and undulating. Rarely is there a moment of stillness or held extension; every part of the body is engaged. And if you’re doing it right, you will be sweating!
4. It allows you to move freely and loosen your muscles.
“Pull up.” “Tighten your stomach.” “Lengthen your toes.” I’m sure this sounds familiar. And yes, in African dance you still have to use your muscles, but in a completely different way. So much of the movement is not controlled that it actually provides a feeling of freedom and release. So shake it out and start dancing.
5. It helped inspire many other styles.
African dance is the basis of so many other popular dance forms of today. It originated in Africa, where it played an important cultural role. Once it was brought to America, the grounded and undulating quality inspired early hip-hop. And the poly-rhythmic movement of tap was partly based on that essential element in the African style. So if you know and understand where the characteristics of a dance came from, then you can be that much more attuned to them.
6. It’s fun!
This one doesn’t need much of an explanation. Forget that stuffy and ridged choreography and let loose. You’re supposed to enjoy it! African is a personal experience, so don’t worry about what the person across the room is doing or how silly you may look. Just put everything you’ve got into it, listen to the drum beat and have a blast.
