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dances in Jamaica

by Kelly
(Portland,Jamaica)

QUESTION:

What are the different traditional and popular dances of Jamaica?

ANSWER: June-06-2009 by Wellesley Gayle

Hi Kelly,

I'll answer the first part of the question by quoting directly from my traditional dances in Jamaica page:

Over 30 traditional Jamaican dances have been identified here, and 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.

The African derived dances are mainly religious ones being integral parts of ceremonies of the 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...
Click Here to read the entire article.

For information on some contemporay dances visit the Jamaican Dance Steps page.

I hope hat helps. Stay in touch Kelly.

Related Pages:
The Dance List
Jamaican Culture
Jamaican Musical Instruments.
Our Blog Page.
AND EVEN MORE...Search Here

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