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The Kete dance form, once exclusive to royal courts, carries intricate movements, symbolic gestures, and rhythms that mirror Ghanaian history and values. It embodies storytelling, often depicting tales of bravery, unity, or significant historical events. These dances were traditionally reserved for specific occasions within the royal setting, symbolizing prestige, honor, and tradition.
With the passage of time, the transmission of Kete royal dance has transcended its original palace context, finding its way into academic domains. Universities and cultural institutions now extend the legacies of this dance form and even act as custodians of this art form, where scholars, dancers, and enthusiasts collaborate to study, preserve, and teach Kete dance.
Through meticulous documentation, research, and practice, the academy endeavors to honor the Kete dance while making it accessible to a broader audience. This transmission from palace to academy serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions. It ensures the continuity of Ghanaian heritage and allows future generations, both within and beyond Ghana, to appreciate and learn from this profound dance form from an Afrocentric perspective.
“Cudjoe has written a well-nourished text that speaks to the incredible creativity enclosed in the traditional dance of the royal court of the Asante people of Ghana. This book will be used for many years to come. His arguments are compelling, and his writing is both fresh and victorious.”—Molefi Kete Asante, College of Liberal Arts Temple University
Dr Emmanuel Cudjoe is a tenure-track Assistant professor in Dance at Ball State University, Theatre and Dance Department, Muncie, Indiana-USA, a researcher, dancer, educator, cultural consultant, and African dance scholar hailing from Ghana.