Celebrating 10 years of partnership with the Kennedy Center, Step Afrika! introduces an updated Educational Guide to accompany arts education programming

A decade-long partner with the Kennedy Center, Step Afrika! introduced an updated Educational Guide to accompany the partnership’s arts education programming. The guide included a breakdown of the Step Afrika! performances, Influences and Styles, Dance in Africa, Drumming and Rhythm, Rhythm Around You, and More About Step Afrika!. A snapshot of the Dance in Africa section is below:

Who Dances?

In some African cultures, dance and music are a necessary part of everyday life. In these cultures, both young and old dance and make music to mourn the dead, connect with their gods, and encourage the growth of crops. The African belief that dance is for everyone is the basis of the stepping tradition.

Dance as Music

In African cultures where dance is highly regarded, music and dance are not considered separate activities. Musicians sway as they play music and dancers create sounds when they move. Step Afrika! dancers make music with their bodies by tapping and stomping and often move to the drum beat.

Body Music

Watch the dancers make music with their bodies. They stomp their feet, clap their hands, and use their voices. After the performance, choose a partner from your class. Together, pick out four of your favorite sound movements. Practice these movements with your partner until you can perform the sequence several times. Together, perform this dance for your class.

VIEW THE 2008 EDUCATIONAL GUIDE