10/06/2025
3 REASONS WHY AFRICANS LIKE TO DANCE IN ⭕️
1️⃣ Dutch psychologist Geert Hofstede employed 6 categories (called Hofstede Dimensions) to explain how societies differ in their cultural norms and values. One of these dimensions is called IDV (Individualism vs Collectivism), which is the extent to which individuals are integrated into groups.
For instance, Anglo-Saxon societies put emphasis on personal achievements, autonomy and individual rights (e.g. USA, UK). Most African and Asian societies are collectivists and they tend to focus more on cohesion, loyalty and [no surprises here] on the importance of family/community.
So, dancing in circles is about integrating everyone. It is a vehicle for embracing each individual regardless of one's dance skill level. It is our subtle – yet very powerful way – to put everyone on the same level, despite the more obvious differences.
Note: it is no coincidence that, in logo graphics design, circular shapes are used to represent unity, wholeness and a sense of community.
2️⃣ In Africa, we use music and dance to process both happiness and sadness. And, by default, we tend to share both blissful and painful moments together.
3️⃣ Prior to European colonization, most (if not all) African ancestral dances were not paired. Actually, it is very common in our ritual dances not to touch anyone when feeling a sense of intense joy and inner harmony because of the music. In other words, you do not need a physical connection with another person to fully experience the latter.
© Research notes by: University of Kizomba.
