The question of teaching dance from a culture that isn’t your own is one that deserves open, honest conversation, particularly when it comes to Afrocentric dance. It’s a complex and deeply personal subject, with layers of history, emotion, and lived experience intertwined.
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you, as a non-African, book more jobs teaching African dance than those from the culture itself, it’s natural to feel conflicted. On one hand, you may feel a deep connection to the dance, moved by its beauty, history, and rhythm. On the other hand, you might feel uncomfortable or even guilty when your opportunities surpass those of African dancers who grew up immersed in this culture. Is this cultural appropriation? Should you step back, or is there a way to move forward with respect?
Understanding the Tension
This situation is common in the world of Afrocentric dance. There’s a tension between appreciation and appropriation, one that cannot be ignored. On one side, individuals may feel that their love for a culture gives them the right to share and teach it. After all, isn’t that what culture is for—to bring people together? But on the other side, many feel that it’s painful to see non-Africans gain more recognition and profit for teaching dance forms that are historically rooted in the African experience. The dance may be loved when others teach it, but often, the same level of enthusiasm and recognition isn’t afforded to African instructors.
This disparity touches on a larger historical context—centuries of colonization, slavery, and the generational trauma that has followed. For many African and African Diaspora communities, their dance is more than movement; it’s a form of cultural expression, survival, and resilience. When non-Africans teach African dance, it can feel like another instance where their culture is taken, repackaged, and commodified, while they are left on the margins.
2024: A Call for Reflection and Responsibility
Today, if you are not from the culture and choose to teach or share African dance, it’s crucial to recognize the weight of that decision. It is not enough to simply hop on the trend of Afro-dance’s rising popularity and expect that everything will be fine. The world, in many ways, is more connected, yet more divided than ever. This is not the time for blind participation. It’s the time for conscious reflection and intentional action.
If you find yourself in this position, here are a few questions to reflect on:
What are your motivations for teaching African dance?
Have you deeply studied and respected the origins and significance of the dance?
Do you publicly acknowledge and credit the people and the culture that created it?
Are you doing meaningful collaborations with African instructors or communities?
Transparency is key. Share your journey, your love for the dance, and, most importantly, your respect for the culture and the people who created it. Be open about who your mentors and inspirations are, and highlight the importance of those connections. People value intention, and you may be surprised at how many will support you if they see your sincerity.
Embrace Your Privilege and Use It Responsibly
It’s also important to acknowledge the privilege you may carry. As a non-African teaching African dance, there’s a level of ease you may have in stepping in and out of the culture when convenient. For people from the culture, their identity is not something they can step away from. It’s intertwined with their lived experience, often in ways that are more challenging due to structural inequalities.
This isn’t a reason to feel guilty about loving another culture, but it’s an opportunity to act with humility. Continue to learn, study, and build relationships within the culture. Be aware of the struggles that come with being from that culture, and find ways to give back. Whether it’s amplifying African voices, supporting African dancers, or creating opportunities for collaboration, use your platform to elevate the people and culture you admire.
Conclusion: Cultivating Respect Through Action
At the end of the day, creativity and passion are hard to judge. But when teaching a dance form that isn’t from your own culture, it’s not just about the art; it’s about the intention, the respect, and the responsibility that comes with it.
As long as you remain humble, transparent, and dedicated to giving back to the culture that has given you so much, you can walk this path with integrity. Be a bridge, not a barrier. In doing so, you will not only enrich your own experience, but also honor the rich legacy of African dance and those who live it every day.
Like always feel free to share your thoughts!
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