Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Traditional Jamaican Dances
A Proud Cultural Legacy
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!
Over 30 traditional Jamaican dances have been identified here in Jamaica!
According to the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) they fall roughly under three categories:
African derived, European derived and Creole - which a mixture of both types.
New! How much do you love Jamaica?
Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
Click Here to see the complete list of Jamaica's traditional dances.
The African derived dances are mainly religious ones being integral parts of ceremonies of worship. These dances take the ritualists into the realm the spiritual and heighten their readiness for possession e.g. Kumina, Myal and Pocomania.
Many believe that we are highly indebted to our Maroon Communities for the preservation of these aspects of our African Heritage.
There are also other African derived dances that were social in intent and which are still performed in Jamaica. These include Etu, Quadrille and Maypole which, though originally of religious significance, is now largely social.
The dances which accompany work songs and ring games also fall into this category.
The best European legacy is said to be the Morris dance, brought to Jamaica by indentured servants from England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The Creole dances that were created in Jamaica tend to borrow elements from both European and African cultures e.g. Johnkannu [Jonkonnu] - the oldest and most popular, and Bruckin's, Pucomina and Revival.
Dance is also represented during the Jamaican Hosay, a Caribbean East Indian festival.
Jonkonnu and Hosay are considered secular dances, despite the performance of Jonkonnu around Christmas time.
For detailed information on each of these dances, click her to see the list of Jamaican dances.
Pages Related To Traditional Jamaican Dances
- Religions in Jamaica
- Jamaican Religions
- Reggae Music
- Jamaican Proverbs
- Jamaican food
- Pictures from Jamaica
- Jamaican Celebrations
- Jamaican Hats
- Our Discussion Forums
Reference:
Wikipedia.org
National Libray of Jamaica
Return to Jamaican Culture from Jamaica's Traditional Dances
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Traditional Jamaican Dances
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
NEW!
Join the growing list of well-thinking, Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community
👇🏿
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Seville Great House Jamaica | Historical Site And Park
Apr 26, 24 12:52 PM
Ahh, the Seville Great House Jamaica. The building holds great significance to Jamaican history and culture, so why not take a look around yourself? -
How Much Is Property Tax In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 08:46 PM
Purchasing your own land is a major accomplishment but the thought of paying property tax can be daunting. How much is property tax in Jamaica by the way? -
How To Apply For An H2B Visa In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 02:07 PM
For many Jamaican locals and H2B visa is the key to their dreams. Ready to take on that journey? This is how to apply for an H2B visa in Jamaica. -
Medical Scholarships in Jamaica
Apr 23, 24 04:21 PM
Pursuing a career in medicine is a noble aspiration, however it is quite expensive. These medical scholarships in Jamaica helps to ease the financial burden. -
Why Do People Like Jamaica So Much?
Apr 23, 24 03:00 PM
Jamaica is one of the top vacation destinations in the Caribbean, which may have you wondering, why do people like Jamaica so much?
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.