It gave me the desire to learn more about the world and different cultures. Culture is the principle of life . . . Although many things have affected aspects of African tradition, mainly colonization, the dance and music have preserved the culture, Burgee said. They have the same principles that bind a culture despite the differences, Burgee added. Sandy Pugh, a dancer with Jaasu Ballet, said that since her involvement with the dance group, she has become more aware of her ethnic background.
Dance is a personal religion.
Pugh also stressed that African dance not only provides a sense of identity and an appreciation of African culture, but enables her to understand the emotion of it. The new surgence of rap culture and the visuals and music evolving from youth movements is tied to African dance and music, Burgee said, adding that many dances in videos are newer forms of African dance.