Caribbean Dance History: Course Outline

Caribbean Dance History: Course Outline


Course Caribbean Dance History

Course Code DANC

No of Credits 3

Contact Hours 3

Pre-requisite None

Lecturer: Dr. Jorge Luis Morejon


Course Description:

This course will introduce students to the history of Caribbean Dance forms and styles in the Spanish Caribbean, particularly in Cuba. The students will investigate selected historical periods influenced by four prominent dance cultures, the Taino, the European, the African and the Chinese. They will learn the development of these dances and how they became national expressions of artistry and power. They will be exposed, academically and in practice, to the areito, the zapateo, the contradanza, the rumba complex and the Lion Dance in the context of their influence in the development of an evolving Caribbean Dance aesthetic.

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to

Describe and explore the various functions of native and imported dances in Cuban society.

Explore the historical facts influencing the development of Cuban born dances.

Compare and contrast native and imported dances in relation to Cuban culture.

Present a historical overview of dance as a performance art form in the Western World.

Course Content:

Discussing pre-Colombian and post Colombian early Cuban Dance History.

Indentifying the basic movements, gestures and designs of the different dance contexts by culture, place of origin and date of immigration.

Determine the mode of dress, music and space that influenced the dances that were born or that arrived in Cuba.

A historical account of the development of dance styles from the original dances introduced in Cuba to those that have survived the passing of time.

Identifying the Cuban born dances in the XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX and XX centuries.

Method of Delivery:

Lectures on the development of the dance from as early as the period of the native Tainos.

Lectures on the European dances that were introduced in Cuba as a result of colonization.

Lectures on the African dances that were imported with the slave trade.

Lectures on the Chinese dances and influences that were brought with the arrival of the Chinese indenture servants and the Californios to Cuba.

Assessment:

Coursework 60%

Written work 30%

Mid Term Paper 20%

Journal 10%

Participation 30%

Attendance 10%

Contribution to the learning environment through questions, answers, comments 10%

Preparedness for class (readings and homework assignments) 5%

Quality of movement abilities 5%

Examination 40%

Final 30%

Dance Demonstration 10%

Course Calendar

Week 1 and 3

Lecture - an overview of the course, examination and restoration (in the subjunctive) of the Taino’s areito dance historically and in practice

Week 5 and 7

Identifying the European dance influences in Cuba and learning the basic steps of zapateo and contradanza

Lecture –Week 9 and 11

Discussing the different African dances in Cuba and learning the basic steps associated with the orishas.

Exploring the Chinese Lion Dance in Cuba and learning some martial arts steps transferrable to the dance

Week 12

Final Examinations

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