Discussing the position of 'African Peoples Dance'
in the current British Education System

By Shivanti Lowton

Under current educational legislature, dance falls under the domain of Physical Education. Whilst we cannot deny that dance is a physical activity, it is highly questionable that it is solely that. Without digressing into further argument ,we must recognise that it is in fact the placing of dance education under this heading, where we begin to see the first problems occurring for African Peoples’ dance.

For African/Carribbean dance the cultural or historical elements of the dance are an extremely important element. The teacher mainly on the physical elements of the subject meaning Dance is taught from a western point of view. Although it is recommended that cultural styles are covered, it is not implicit in the curriculum, what these ‘cultural’ styles are regarded as.

At Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) Dance becomes separated from compulsory Physical education and becomes a separate ‘arts’ GCSE by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) examining board. It is still regarded by OFSTED inspectors and the various exam boards as Physical Education. According to AQA, the Students studying GCSE dance should expect to ‘...focus on the aesthetic qualities of dance and the use of dance movement as a medium of expression and communication in the performance, creation and appreciation of dance’. However, on closer inspection of the specification, the references suggested as teaching aids are virtually all western, with the exception of Alvin Ailey’s ‘Witness’ and Phoenix Dance Company’s ‘Longevity’ each mentioned once. Having taught GCSE dance since 1996, I have yet to come across a piece choreographed by a practitioner of African people’s dance as a recommended set work, chosen by exam boards as the main theoretical study.

How many students have walked away from their dance education not being aware of, or understanding African/Carribbean dance ? Does this non-awareness lead to that vicious circle of not partaking in a situation unless you are familiar with it? And does it also help to explain the fact that the majority of people who are practitioners of ‘African Peoples dance’ generally come from a similar cultural heritage?

The numbers of males that continue in dance seems to be a result of this state of affairs. Is the lack of male interest in dance due to the western society’s view that dance is a ‘feminine’ art form? Using the example of a generic inner city school) approximately 180 students will partake in dance education in year 9 (ages 13-14). By year 10 (GCSE level), this number declines dramatically to approximately 25 students. Of these 25, 21 will probably be female.

African/Caribbean societies however, view dance differently. Male dancers are recognised for their physical strength and emotive qualities (such as traditional Zulu dancers performing a warrior’s dance). Based on my records of student attendance in classes/activities during the period of 1996 …quot; 2000 the majority of male students who take part in higher level dance education or extra curricular dance classes tend to come from an African/Caribbean background? Just another co-incidence?

Statutory education ends at age 16, and by this stage the British education system has lost the opportunity to educate and stimulate children in the art of any dance form which could come under the umbrella of African People’s dance. To their credit, AQA do include dance styles from other cultures on their A-level syllabuses, however the set works chosen for both the 2002 and 2003 exams, do not include any work by a practitioner of African Peoples dance. This is a great disappointment as in past years the syllabus has been quite flexible allowing candidates to study both practical and theoretical aspects of African people’s dance. Any candidate therefore wishing to further their knowledge of African people’s dance will only have the opportunity to do so in the form of a technical study which consists of a technically demanding solo dance lasting approximately 3 minutes.

In a country that claims to support multi-cultural education it is regrettable that African peoples dance is not prescribed on any educational curriculum until A-level standard, and even then in such a small segment. The reasons for this can be many, from lack of teacher training to lack of funding for arts development. However, the underlying factor (whether you be a practitioner, teacher, dance enthusiast or just part of an audience) is without some form of education, just how accessible is the legacy of African and Carribean people to all?