Evolution of "Afro Dances"-origins and explorations

"The Evolution of “Afro Dances”: Origins & Exploration" Project – Preserving Cultural Legacy, Building Community, Decolonizing Movements

Support the Evolution of “Afro Dances”: Connecting Roots to Modern Movements

My team and I are embarking on an ambitious journey to explore the origins of dances across Ghana. The project, “The Evolution of “Afro Dances”: Origins and Exploration project seeks to bridge the invaluable gap between the traditional African dance forms and contemporary “Afro dances”. Through this initiative, we will explore the rich histories, cultural significance, and stories behind African Ghanaian dances while celebrating their influences on modern “Afro dance” movements. With immersive fieldwork across Ghana, we aim to document, revive, and preserve these traditional dances and the essence they carry for future generations.

About the Project:

Growing up, traditional dances, community gatherings, and storytelling were the heartbeat of our communities. They connected us to our histories, bonded us to each other, and grounded us in the rhythm of our roots. However, with the rising popularity of “Afro dances” on social media, and the speed at which everything happens and trends through dance and movement, there is an urgent need to reconnect with the origins of these movements. Our traditional dance knowledge risks being lost, and with it, a part of our identity. This project is our opportunity to pass down not just movements but the profound meaning and history behind them.

Starting date for Project:

20 March 2025

By this time, we would have been able to gather enough funds to go on with the project.

GoFundMe Amount to Kick start Project: €20000

Estimated duration for Project: 2-3 Years

Why WE Need Your Support:

While we have submitted grant proposals to help fund this initiative, the process of securing grants is long and uncertain. To kickstart this vital project, we’re reaching out to our community for initial support. The full budget required for this two- to three-year project is substantial, reflecting our commitment to a long-term impact. Every contribution through this GoFundMe will be used to lay the groundwork and beginning for this powerful project while we also await grant responses.

Project Activities

Your donation will support:

1. Fieldwork and Documentation: We will visit various regions of Ghana, especially rural communities, to document the unique movements, techniques, and stories of traditional dancers.

2. Educational Videos and Digital Archiving: High-quality videos and a digital archive will ensure these traditions live on and remain accessible globally.

3. Workshops and Mentorship Programs: Local dancers will gain opportunities to perform, collaborate, and develop their craft through mentorship and urban showcases.

4. Community Stage Productions and Cultural Outreach: These events will celebrate our heritage, fostering respect for traditional dance within modern Afro dance spaces.

Impact on Our Community

This project is more than just preserving dances; it's about:

1. Empowering Rural Dancers and Communities: Many traditional dancers in rural Ghana receive little recognition despite their immense cultural contributions. By documenting their art and involving them in workshops, they will have a platform to share their stories, gain visibility, and find a renewed pride in their craft.

2. Creating a Space for Afro Diasporans: This project will serve as a welcoming space for members of the Afro diaspora, providing them an opportunity to learn the roots of Afro dances and gain authentic knowledge. It will be a space for reconnection with ancestral heritage.

3. Decolonizing Movement: By reclaiming our traditional dance forms and preserving the meanings behind each movement, we challenge colonial narratives and celebrate African cultural depth. Traditional dances are rich with stories and spirituality, and their preservation asserts the intellectual and cultural depth that colonial legacies have sought to diminish.

Join Us in Preserving and Celebrating “African Dance” Heritage

This project is about giving back, expanding our communities, and honoring our traditions. Together, we can create a lasting legacy that not only preserves but celebrates the essence of African dances for generations to come. We deeply appreciate any support you can provide, whether it's a donation, a share, or just spreading the word.

Thank you for helping us keep our dances alive, our stories shared, and our movements decolonized. Join us in creating a dance legacy that celebrates African heritage worldwide!

How You Can Help:

Any amount you can contribute will make a difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and networks. Every bit of support counts!

Thank you for believing in the power of dance to connect us all.

Rewards:

$50 and above: Personal thank you note and project updates.

$100 and above: Behind-the-scenes access to the project and early viewing of the documentary.

$500: Special mention in the documentary credits.

Let’s bring the roots of our dances to the world!