Dancing

Get to know Jamaica 

Dancing is a part of Jamaican culture and everyday's life, and it has always been. Whether European settlers or African slaves, every new Jamaican brought their own native dances, and many have evolved and combined to form traditional Jamaican dances. Everyone brought their own native dances, and many have developed and mixed to create traditional Jamaican dances.

For most of Jamaica's history, traditional dances from Europe

and Africa have been part of feast celebrations and life-affirming rituals. The best European example of this style of dancing is the Morris dance, brought to Jamaica by indentured slaves from England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Strong similarities among early folk dances make it difficult to dissect features and determine their roots. For example, both African and European forms had all-male dancers, and some men dressed as animals.

Over time, nearly 40 distinctive dances have been distinguished, but there are seven main styles that Jamaican dances fall into Maroon, Myal, Kumina, Revival, Rastafari, Jonkonnu, and Hosay. All but Jonkonnu and Hosay are considered to be religious dances, while the others are earthly. Jonkonnu dances still exist today, as does the Revival dance style of Pukkumina.

Now, I'm going to introduce to you some of the most important and special dances of this beautiful country: 

Pukkumina

Pukkumina dances are based in the rituals of Myalism, but

they are part of the Revival tradition. Pukkumina is a distinct Revivalist group and not the same as Zion. Most notable for its possession rituals, this society is also notable for its dances.

The rituals themselves change from place to place, but they all use music and improvised concords and harmonies to help induce possession.

Revival

Revival is a religious ritual resulting from an Afro-European syncretism - the mixing of African and European cultures. It has two main branches, Zionism and Pocomania. 

Zionism is more Euro-Christian and deals with holy angels

and heavenly spirits. Pocomania deals with earthbound spirits and has stronger African accessories. 

The Central Figure is a "Mother" when it is a female and a "Shepherd" when male. Mission grounds where meetings are held are adorned with holy pictures and biblical symbols, inscribed or drawn on the ground and the walls. 

Jamaica is filled with music, and with music comes dancing. Travelers looking to get a taste of dance on Jamaica can find many different types, from African- or European-inspired styles to something truly local.

By Manuela Orozco, Step 8.