MUSA 139 African Dance and Drumming

Exploring the richness of African dance and music traditions from four African regions, this course is devoted to the study of authentic dances, songs and drumming from Africa, as well as their historical and cultural contexts. Students may choose to focus on either dance or percussion. Percussion students will learn traditional rhythms for djembe and talking drum as they inform and interact with dance movements. Dancers begin with exercises to condition our bodies for the rigor of the African Dance forms -- developing strength, stamina, coordination, flexibility, and rhythmic awareness, and move to the informed and joyous practice of the dances. Graded on a Credit/No Credit basis only. May be repeated for credit.