THERE are many different interpretations about art that can be drawn from Chinua Achebe’s analysis, but one can relate it to the significance of dance as an artistic element that can complement any rhythm in music.
Dance as a form of art has been practised since time immemorial, but its worth goes beyond expressing the mood of an individual, society or nation.
The past few weeks have witnessed Zimbabweans dance to the music of popular musician, Mukudzei Mukombe, aka Jah Prayzah.
The dances showcased as people marched in solidarity with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and at the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa highlighted the power of music in uniting people.
One memorable highlight of last week’s events is a video which has gone viral on social media of a white woman dancing ‘borrowdale dance’ with a Zimbabwean flag wrapped around her neck.
Interesting about her is that it was not only the flag that identified her as Zimbabwean, but the famous dance in Zimbabwe.
To many Zimbabweans, dance has become a way of communication.
It is through dance that people across the world have defined themselves and showcased different cultures.
Today, one is able to identify people through dance.
BaTswana can easily be identified with their common traditional dance, also known as the San or Basarwa dance where they stamp the ground.
The Congolese through rhumba music, have illuminated the world with a unique dance where one wriggles the waist, while ballet is very common among Europeans.
Back home, most Zimbabweans like borrowdale dance which is synonymous with sungura music.
The popular Jibilika Dance Festival has done so well in representing the lifestyle and culture of youths.
In her book, Women Musicians of Zimbabwe 1930s – 2013, writer Joyce Jenje Makwenda says dance was used as therapy during the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe.
She notes that women used music and dance as a way to communicate in an environment where their existence was considered to be futile.
“Pennywhistle (Kwela) is one genre of music which has not really been associated with women playing the instrument except providing dancing as backing,” writes Jenje Makwenda.
“Kwela was originally associated with social outcasts who played cards on street corners where crowds would gather.
“At the sight of the police, people shouted, ‘Kwela – Kwela’, which in Zulu means ‘climb’ since the police would order those arrested to ‘climb to police trucks, shouting ‘Kwela – Kwela.”
There is no doubt, it is through song and dance that people celebrate happiness as well as show sorrow and grievances.
However, dance can be categorised in forms that include ritual and commemorative dance.
An example is the local mbira dance which highlights characteristics of traditional ritual dance.
It symbolises the depth of Zimbabwe culture, dating back to the pre-colonial era.
As a ritual dance, mbira dance enforces and affirms the belief system of a society.
In this context, it highlights Zimbabweans respect for their ancestors.
Being a form of dance, ritual dance is a social practice that falls under intangible heritage and is usually religious in nature and designated for specific occasions like a bira ceremony.
Common about ritual dances, is that they are initiated by the informed and elders.
The history of Rhodesia shows that mbira music and dance was forced to go underground due its influence among blacks.
“Mbira music had been banned from the airwaves, and so were people from playing the music by the Rhodesian regime because it was believed to also evoke ancestral spirits to lead the struggle,” says Francisca Muchena.
The attainment of independence in 1980, therefore opened avenues for musicians to play and dance to mbira in public and these include Mbira DzeNharira, Stella Chiweshe and the late Mbuya Beaular Dyoko, among others.
During the liberation struggle, the voices of musicians were suppressed by the Rhodesian regime, but it must be noted that many protested through dance.
Dance can also be used to commemorate the social trends of times.
The local Jibilika Dance Festival has managed to grasp the idea as youths are given the platform to showcase trending lifestyles, social issues and fashion through dance.
Through dance, youths can also reflect on topical issues such as alcohol and drug abuse and the fight against HIV and AIDS.
In spite of the different dances worldwide, dance as an artistic element has an essential purpose of not only celebrating, but telling a story.