DNC 2110: Dance in Central and Northern Uganda

DNC 2110: Dance in Central and Northern Uganda

Description

The course offers knowledge about and performance skills of traditional Ugandan dance forms. It offers critical analysis of how these dances interact with cultural, social, occupational, and religious aspects that contribute to creating them, all concerns of ethnochoreology. The course covers a selection of dance forms from the central and northern Uganda. Besides critical understanding and performance of these dances, the course equips students with skills to perform the music that accompanies them. Participation in the rehearsals and Departmental stage performances are mandatory.

Objectives

1. To broaden students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of traditional dance forms from central and northern Uganda

2. To equip student with foundational knowledge into critical analysis of how dances in Uganda interact with cultural aspects that participate in creating it

3. To offer skills of performing selected dances and their accompanying music

Course Outline

Topic 1: Cultural and Social Contexts of Dances from Central Uganda

Topic 2: Social Relevance, Philosophy and Societal Intentions of Dances from Central Uganda

• Baakisimba Dance

• Maggunju dance

Topic 3: Playing Drums

• Playing Techniques for Baakisimba Drums

• Playing Techniques for Mbaga Drums

• Playing Techniques for Maggunju Drums

Topic 4: Social Relevance, Philosophy and Societal Intentions of Dances from Western Uganda

• Larakaraka Dance

• Otwenge Dance

• Gaze Dance

• Otole Dance

• Agwara Dance

Topic 5: Playing Drums

• Playing Techniques for Larakaraka Drums

• Playing Techniques for Otwenge Drums

• Playing Techniques for Agwara Drums

• Playing Techniques for Otole Drums

• Playing Techniques for gaze Drums

Topic 6: Experiencing Music and Dance Symbiosis

Topic 7: Traditional Dance Troupes Dances in Central and Northern Uganda

Methods of Teaching/Delivery

Lectures, tutorials, field trips, class discussions, performance demonstrations, and viewing and reviewing of dance recordings

Modes of Assessment

Course work

• Class attendance and discussion: 5%

• Participation in departmental performances: 5%

• Dance practical: 10%

• Mid-semester test: 10%

Final Examination:

• Written examination: 30%

• Practical studio presentations: 40%

Selected Readings

Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Sylvia. 2005. Baakisimba: Gender in Music and Dance of the Baganda People of Uganda. London and New York: Routledge. 2003. "Competitions in School Festivals: A Process of: Re-Inventing Baakisimba Music and Dance of the Baganda (Uganda)." In World Music, 2003: 45 (1): 97-118.

Wachsmann, P. Klaus and M. Trowell. 1953. Tribal Crafts of Uganda. London: Longman.