Full video record of Afro-Caribbean dance performances in Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil. Cuban dance focuses on traditional Cuban rumba (particular versions of professional, traditional, and general public rumba as well as two National Cuban Ballet Companies, the National Cuban Modern Dance Company (Danza Nacional), and three National Folkloric Companies (Conjunto Folklorico, Folklorico de Oriente, and Cutumba). Haitian heritage in Cuba and influences in the Caribbean are also documented in Tumba Francesa from the eighteenth century and Gaga from the twentieth century. Afro-Caribbean religious materials are highlighted first in dance traditions but also in ritual behavior: Yoruba, Palo, Abakua, Arara, and Vodun in Cuba; Rada and Congo rites in Haitian Vodun (including installation of mambos and an annual celebration at Sucrie de Nasch); and Bahian versions of Candomblé. There are a few segments of contemporary popular dance including comparsas and carnival examples.
Legacy Keywords: Dance rumba Cuba ; Celebrations gaga Cuba ; Ritual Palo Vodun Abakua Arara Cuba ; Ritual Vodun rada Congo Haiti ; Ritual Candomble Bahia ; Dance popular comparsas Carnival Cuba
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HSFA 1993.8.1
Previously titled "Afro-Caribbean Dance Traditions: Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil 1986-1992."
Received from Yvonne Payne Daniel in 1993.
Yvonne Payne Daniel videos of Afro-Caribbean dance traditions: Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Titles are supplied by the archivist for untitled films.