Power of the Dance Part 2

Photographer: Unknown

As we continue our discussion concerning the visual and physical language of dance, we selected two documentaries for their visual and informative documentation.

The first one we would like to share is a Ted Talk given by Camille A. Brown, "A Visual History of Social Dance in 25 Moves." In a 2016, Ms. Brown, choreographer and owner of Camille A. Brown & Dancers, shares the cultural narrative of African American dance styles. The evolution of African American dance movements represents cultural values and activism.

From West Africa to the Caribbean and North America, every step and style is symbolic of a social time, place, and event. Today is no different. And every race, nation, and culture continues to share their story with each bodily movement. As we continue to share beliefs and experiences through physical and technical space so does the way we move. A certain level of creolization and modification influences the way we perceive, interpret, and express experiences. Just like the way our accent and dialect are influenced by our location so does our bodily language.An example of this is the skank. We selected the BBC film, “This is Ska,” which documents the origin of the dance and its various styles.

First seen in Jamaica in the late 50s during the ska movement, the skank crossed over into reggae and then made its way across the globe, even into the British punk reggae clubs in the 80s. Yes, punk reggae. Smile and keep on skanking.

BBC, "This is Ska"