Dance Analysis of Zulu People of South Africa - Essay Example

While the dance is usually performed with a lot of energy, my interest in learning it meant that I would be ready to express similar energetic and rhythmic movements that portray the unique dance. I took a class at my school's Music department studio, with the special aid of the department’s tutor in African dances. Finally, after successfully attending a class of the Zulu dance I now have a deeper understanding of the connection that exists between the dancers and the ceremony occasioned by the specific dance.

The Zulu dance generally involves a traditional dance of both men and women fully dressed in their respective traditional dance attires. The dance entails high stepping and a subsequent stomping of the ground rhythmically. The dancers also perform this while holding weapons and shields, where their hands are frequently raised in a manner that goes in line with the rhythm of the entire dance. The weapons that the dancers hold commonly include a traditional spear and a shield.

In some instances, the dancers make a unique kick over their heads and systematically fall to the ground in a well-managed crouch position. In addition, the dancers commonly dress codes that differently showcase the dance moves of either men or women. This means that the dress code of the dance is different for both men and women. The Zulu dance dress code is mainly animal skin for the men, while the women have skirts that are decorated with hardwood beads (Welsh-Asante, 2010). Furthermore, while the adults are expected to have their thighs covered, the children dancers are exempted. However, both men and women will have limited clothing on their bodies and therefore a substantial part of their bodies are exposed.

The Zulu dance is performed during the traditional Zulu ceremony and is commonly accompanied by extremely vibrant singing and at times, the beating of the drums. The dance is regarded as uniquely specular as both men and women perform it usually in blended traditional attire that matches the dance. As a traditional aspect of the Zulu culture, it is customary for unmarried and young men to dance, commonly alternating in different groups, as married men and women also take a break in and subsequently join the festivities. Young women usually clap and play the drum while they dance (Welsh-Asante, 2010). With every step that the dancers make in this case, it is much more calculated to give a less frantic feel and subsequently show off the strength of dancers' muscles, as well as the control of weapons with various mock stabs at imaginary enemies.

In conclusion, I am glad to have had the opportunity to learn about this phenomenal dance, although I found it needed more practice to affect its movements while performing. The energy that is reflected on the dancer shows that it is a dance that is more oriented to a warrior song. Its uniqueness is equally reflected in all its various performances enjoyed by different people across the universe. Read More