Despite the multitude of differences, Munchus-Bullock said that there are similarities among many of the dances and movements, which she tries to focus on in her class, Introduction to African Dance and Culture. Many people know that dance is important to the study of a people or group. Burgee points to the similarities of dance in all cultures as a force to create understanding among different ethnic groups. Dance provided me with a more worldly perspective of life. 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.