Strictly African Dancing: why am I horrified?

2deal2 · (#1 (**permalink**))

I opened my New Nation this week to find that the BBC had lined up a special show of Strictly Come Dancing with all African tribal dancing. I was horrified! Straight away I thought images of Zulu mixed with a modern day minstrel show. Why?And there are some quite recognisable Black people (Tessa Sanderson, Robbie Earle) who are in it!

It was part of a Gillian Joseph (BBC London News) interview, and she was glad to turn itdown, but she did go to the taping. She even said it was ridiculous that it was only open to Black celebrities. Why couldn't people from other racestake part...?

And when you think about it,Black people have devloped and created so many music genres around the world, why did they choose Tribal dancing? What about Jazz, Be-Bop, Motown-era RnB &Soul, Hip-Hop, Steppers (in the R Kelly "Happy People"style) or Funk?

Heck, I'd rather they did line-dancing than this!

Kunjufu · (#2 (**permalink**))

I actually agree with Gillian on this one, I thought Strickly African Dancing, was the BBC trying to be all PC and getting it very badly wrong in every way possible..

Le Moor · (#3 (**permalink**))

Hasnt this already been aired.....

Ive already seen something with Tessa and Robbie doing tribal dances.

Mokele Mbembe · (#4 (**permalink**))

I thought it was well handeled and positive. It sounds to me like a western black person being ashamed of certain african traditions and embarassed that it happened in front of white people. This is unspoken amongst us but it's there.

The western blacks' shame of africa should not stop those who embrace and love it from enjoying themselves.

So what if it happened on TV? So what if there were only black contestants. That was good because if I saw white people doing Ghanain danding no doubt others would complain about THAT.

Robbie Earle was EXCELLENT as shaka in the zulu dance and I was glad he won and exposed this most positive part of africa on TV.

Kibibi · (#5 (**permalink**))

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I watched some of it and enjoyed it. It wasnt 'coonish' or 'minstrel' like from what I saw.

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About timecertain people were excluded.

2deal2 · (#6 (**permalink**))

Sorry, I had no idea the show was on LAST year!

It's just that I saw the interview in this week's paper (w/c Mon 9 Jan) and I thought the show was coming on in the next few weeks.

I wouldn't like to see any show that makes Black people feel stupid... It's not my sort of thing, but if you some of you liked it then OK.

Kibibi · (#7 (**permalink**))

2deal2 wrote:

Quote:

Sorry, I had no idea the show was on LAST year!

It's just that I saw the interview in this week's paper (w/c Mon 9 Jan) and I thought the show was coming on in the next few weeks.

I wouldn't like to see any show that makes Black people feel stupid... It's not my sort of thing, but if you some of you liked it then OK.

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If you never saw it how do you know it made 'Black people look stupid?'confused3

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Adeola · (#8 (**permalink**))

Some people like to complain too much!!!!!!!!!

I saw it and I actually enjoyed it.

When I knew it was coming on, I rushed home from work, so I didn't miss too much of it. Iwent to my parent's house because they live closer to my workplace, and I saw my Mum and Dad with their eyes fixated on the TV.bighairlol

Why is there the complaint that only black people were allowed to take part? I saw the article in New Nation too and didn't understand whyGillian Josephwas moaning. If white people tried to do African dancing, there will becomplaints about them not even knowinganything about it etc. At least they left it to the people who know best. Also, I think that the BBChave received many complaintsabout not catering for black people so they did that - At least they tried!

I thought that Tessa Sanderson wasn't great, but overall, it was a good show.

Aryek · (#9 (**permalink**))

2deal2 wrote:

Quote:

Sorry, I had no idea the show was on LAST year!

It's just that I saw the interview in this week's paper (w/c Mon 9 Jan) and I thought the show was coming on in the next few weeks.

I wouldn't like to see any show that makes Black people feel stupid... It's not my sort of thing, but if you some of you liked it then OK.

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[line]

You need to question why you reacted in such a negative way to the mention of African tribal dancing without even seeing the show.These so called tribal dancesthat you're so ashamed off are responsible for the creation of jazz, blues and most forms of popular black music and dance in the world today. Even some forms of latin American music and dance like salsa has it's roots in African dance. Take some pride in your culture not just the ones that you think white people will deem as appropriate.

kamkam · (#10 (**permalink**))

The show was very good my whole family loved it including my four year old daughter, she wants to do Afrikan dancing now. It diffinatly sholudn't be open to white people or anyone else.

all the performers danced really well, some went to Africa it was great!

Kibibi · (#11 (**permalink**))

Aryek wrote:

Quote:

You need to question why you reacted in such a negative way to the mention of African tribal dancing without even seeing the show.These so called tribal dancesthat you're so ashamed off are responsible for the creation of jazz, blues and most forms of popular black music and dance in the world today. Even some forms of latin American music and dance like salsa has it's roots in African dance. Take some pride in your culture not just the ones that you think white people will deem as appropriate.

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clp)Projection, projection and....projectionniceone.gif