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In this article, the author explains how African dances are created in many social venues as a form of communicating within specific societies. However, from her travels, she has discovered that there are many misconceptions outside of the continent, and many people who view African dances as exotic or as only entertainment. The article discusses specific societies, by means of specific dances as models, in order to understand that aesthetics and purpose in execution are a social perception built by a community's values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article invites the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the aesthetics of African-based dance through the elements of tradition, transformation, and social justice. A discussion of the aesthetics of African dances within Africa and throughout the African diaspora opens the doors to present these dances in a K–12 setting, to explore a concept of beauty that may be different from our own, and to dispel misconceptions that have become tied to African dance and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a brief history of African and African-derived dance and culture and highlights the physical health, dance education, historical, and cultural benefits of a school-based program that incorporates African dance as its core component. The article also includes the phases of the programming and brings attention to potential obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes African dance in a variety of settings, ranging from public schools to higher educations. Need to be aligned with traditional perspectives of dance as education; Relevance of African dance to the American education striving to achieve multicultural literacy; Afrocentric approach; Information about the educational richness of African dance.

The authors of this specialJOPERDfeature have rich and varied experiences with dance in Africa, and they share their stories and insights in an effort to dispel some common myths and misunderstandings about African dance. Read how Americans often judge other cultures based on personal bias and how they can break from these prejudices. Learn how to incorporate dances from various African countries into the American classroom as physical activity and integrative learning. Discover innovative ways to teach dance to children with disabilities as a means of promoting healthy lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relationship of African dance in the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It mentions that HIV prevention education programs can be incorporated to African dance. It explains that African dance expresses moral values and provides insight on gender roles particularly in women. The author mentions that African dance is considered a healthy activity since young women can connect with their beauty and their body through the dance movement. The author also mentions that young women can have a significant physical activity in a health-promoting matter.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience in teaching dance education in Africa.