Music and dance an aspect of Caribbean culture - Essay Example

Topic: "Music and Dance" - an Aspect of Caribbean Culture Introduction Music and dance are of much importance in every culture. The central characteristic of Caribbean culture is the music and dance elements too. The Caribbean music and dance integrate well with each other. Dance, of course, is always associated with music and is the custom in Caribbean culture. Understandably, the richest vein of folk dance and music in the Caribbean comes from the largest island, the Greater Antilles. Clave is the basis of much of Caribbean music. The constant flux and remixing of vernacular and dance in the Caribbean has been a well-spring for the rest of the world for over 100 years. Musical styles that are for contemplation only are rare in the Caribbean culture. An exception to this is the contemplative calypso in the Caribbean. Caribbean people love to dance. They strive to achieve physical and artistic mastery of their dance, and they become passionately attached to the dance they perform. In Caribbean land, personal identity and a relationship with the spirit world are asserted through dance movements. Caribbean music and dance have undergone influences of Spanish, French and other European cultures. Many of the dances in Caribbean culture began as commemoration by the African slaves, when their captors forced them to emigrate from their native Africa. Dance is always inseparable from music; Caribbean and Latin American music developed together. Popular dance in the Caribbean is distinguished by Creole innovation and intra-Caribbean music mixtures. Importance of Music and Dance in Caribbean Culture. It is acknowledged that the creolization of the Caribbean culture may well be the key to understanding the numerous and interrelated forms of music and dance expression. In Caribbean music and dance, one can find an ever-changing mixture of percussion and vocal styles traceable to West Africa; as well as melodic and harmonic forms derived from European culture. Caribbean musicians have blended and simmered these musical influences, transforming the various ingredients into something new and unique. And of course, there is continual cross–fertilization among the islands, as variations are made to keep the music fresh, making for the Caribbean’s vital input into the international music scene. One by one rumba, beguine, calypso and reggae have taken not only the Unites States but the entire world by storm. Part of the power and allure of the Caribbean music is its constant rediscovery of the island’s African heritage. The steel drum of Trinidad evokes the drum choirs of West Africa, salsa and even reggae are drawn from the call-and-response style of West Africa. The music and dance culture of Caribbean lands have changed with the growth of national pride and numerous American influence. In recent years, Jamaican reggae has exerted the greatest influence on the international market of any Caribbean music. The music of the Caribbean is dance music, meant to provide a few moments of freedom from the routines of daily existence. According to (Ludwig), “the dances of the Caribbean nations mostly are comprised of social dances, performed at social functions and celebrations”. The unique characteristics of the Caribbean music are its easy flowing rhythm, natural with multiple ethnical mixes, especially the beat of African drum. The dancing in Caribbean culture depicts hip swaying, shuffle–stepping and lower body movements. The dance and music in Caribbean islands are of high energy. The highlight of every dance and music form in Caribbean is the blend of different cultures throughout the world. In his article J.Arthur writes that “traditional Caribbean dances feature much of the same characteristics of African folk dance. Jumping, waving, and shuffling are all incorporated into the choreography. For example, Kumina, a Kongo derived religion indigenous to the Eastern shores of Jamaica, fuses Christian and African pathology”. In Trinidad Islands one can see the calypso music played with a blend of Indian sounds, whereas Salsa has a mix of Latin beats in them. Caribbean land has two main types of dance styles, one being traditional ballets and other being folkloric dance which has traditional background. However, the history of Caribbean music can be traced back to Native Americans who were the early inhabitants of this land. The different dance music of Caribbean land is ska, reggae, calypso and socca music. The Caribbean carnivals are also well known among people around the world. It is a parade which attracts more than a million people on a yearly basis and displays music and dance of Caribbean culture in an exquisite manner. As per Barnes, “the Decades of Dance festival also provided an opportunity to share experiences, styles, choreography techniques, promote and advance not only the art of dance, but the Caribbean as the mecca of Cultural Diversity”. Conclusion In the minds of many people, Caribbean music and dance are usually synonymous with the music of Cuba and Puerto Rico. However, the most popular melodies, rhythm and dance sequence in Caribbean are a blend of European and African dance and musical cultures. In the Caribbean societies dance and music are a pre-requisite for any function. It is a major way of interacting with people and celebrating the joy of special occasions. Moreover, all the religious and spiritual rituals in Caribbean culture are mostly marked by dance and music. It is also interesting to find a spirit of competition in the dance forms of the Caribbean land. The dance forms like salsa rumba and mambo have raised the spirits of many people around the world. The prominent feature of Caribbean music and dance is that they are highly energetic and enchanting. Even though the Caribbeans have their own unique music and dance forms, the music and dance from other parts of the world are also equally famous here. The Caribbean music and dance forms have the exclusive ability to make anyone dance effortlessly. The fun, grace and beauty of these Caribbean dance form and music are a must experience. Dancing is the favorite recreational activity in the Caribbean culture. In the same way music is played at special festivals, wedding ceremonies, and homes and on streets in Caribbean lands. Dance combined with music is the first and last thing which runs in a mind of a person upon hearing the phrase “Caribbean culture”. It is not an exaggeration to mention that the heart and soul of Caribbean culture are tied to its rich blend of music and dance. References Arthur, Jamal. "Comming to America: Afro-Caribbean Culture." WISRO. West Indian Student Organisation, 9 Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. Barnes, Petagaye. "LAcadco enjoys Caribbean experience." The Gleanor. Gleanor Company ltd., 29 Oct. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. . Ludwig, Pamela A. "Caribbean Dance History." eHow. Demand Media Inc., 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. . Read More