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Chuck Davis, Dancing Through West Africa

Directed by Gorham Kindem

• "To understand the culture, study the dance. To understand the dance, study the people." - Chuck Davis
• "... the film can be used creatively in college seminars to illustrate African/American continuity and to set dance in its sociocultural context." - American Anthropologist

Here is a spirited celebration of traditional African dance filmed in the villages and suburban compounds of Senegal and The Gambia. Chuck Davis, an internationally renowned ethnic dancer, is accompanied by several American dancers on one of his frequent visits to West Africa.

The film is an intimate and inspiring portrait of African dance and village life, celebrating life, movement, and a sense of community. It focuses upon three different tribes or ethnic groups (Wolof, Mandinka, and Diola) in three different regions of Senegambia. It shows the warmth of the West African people and the importance of dance in their daily lives.

The film concludes with a stimulating performance in the United States by Chuck Davis and his integrated company, the African American Dance Ensemble, celebrating peace, love and mutual respect.

CINE Golden Eagle, 1987
Sinking Creek Film Festival, 1987

28 min. Video or DVD. Sale: Video $295 Video rentals $55.

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