Overview

Come along as we explore the fascinating origins of African dance, as rich and diverse as the continent itself. Discover unique rituals, colourful costumes, and rhythmic instruments. Learn about dances that have been passed from generation to generation through the ages. See those very same dances come alive with a new generation of dancers. In captivating detail, Drumbeat in Our Feet illuminates the beauty, history and energy of African dance.

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9781620140796

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This well-designed, visually appealing book opens with a concise overview of the origins of African dance traditions that highlights the diversity of African peoples, cultures, and landscapes... Keeler's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations impart a sense of vibrancy, movement, and joy... A fresh, uplifting, and captivating offering. -- School Library Journal Dynamic illustrations and a lyrical narrative... Colorful, motion-filled images... lively, information-packed book. -- Publishers Weekly Should prompt further study of its fascinating subject. -- Kirkus Reviews This joyful picture book uses watercolor-and-pencil artwork to show African dances from all over the continent and kids 'coming from Brooklyn, coming from Harlem, the Bronx and down the subway lines' to learn them at the Harlem's Batoto Yetu dance studio. On each left-hand page is a sepia-tone illustration of a traditional African dance, accompanied by detailed notes about its origin, the performance, and the cultural tradition. Opposite pages include a rhythmic verse and a full-color picture of children in their American studio learning the dance, painting their faces and bodies with traditional designs, and putting on a show. Eschewing primitive stereotypes and generic connections, Keeler presents a wealth of detailed information about call-and-response, musical instruments, image dances, and much more. The busy art celebrates both the rich diversity of African dance traditions and the joy of passing them on. A map, a selection of photos of kids at the school, and a brief bibliography are appended. -- Booklist

This well-designed, visually appealing book opens with a concise overview of the origins of African dance traditions that highlights the diversity of African peoples, cultures, and landscapes. . . Keeler's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations impart a sense of vibrancy, movement, and joy. . . A fresh, uplifting, and captivating offering. -- School Library Journal Dynamic illustrations and a lyrical narrative. . . Colorful, motion-filled images. . . lively, information-packed book. -- Publishers Weekly Should prompt further study of its fascinating subject. -- Kirkus Reviews This joyful picture book uses watercolor-and-pencil artwork to show African dances from all over the continent and kids 'coming from Brooklyn, coming from Harlem, the Bronx and down the subway lines' to learn them at the Harlem's Batoto Yetu dance studio. On each left-hand page is a sepia-tone illustration of a traditional African dance, accompanied by detailed notes about its origin, the performance, and the cultural tradition. Opposite pages include a rhythmic verse and a full-color picture of children in their American studio learning the dance, painting their faces and bodies with traditional designs, and putting on a show. Eschewing primitive stereotypes and generic connections, Keeler presents a wealth of detailed information about call-and-response, musical instruments, image dances, and much more. The busy art celebrates both the rich diversity of African dance traditions and the joy of passing them on. A map, a selection of photos of kids at the school, and a brief bibliography are appended. -- Booklist

Author Information

Patricia A. Keeler first fell in love with African dance after watching a Batoto Yetu performance at the Victory Theater in New York City. Pursuing the idea for a book, Keeler met Júlio Leitão and spent many weekends observing the young dancers in his troupe. With this book, Keeler hopes to introduce the richness of African dance to young readers everywhere. She lives with her husband in Hoboken, New Jersey. Júlio Leitão was born in Luena, Angola. He came to the United States in 1985 and has taught dance for more than fifteen years. Leitão founded Batoto Yetu, an African dance troupe for children in 1990. He views sharing the dances of his homeland with a new generation as a way to ""make sure our firsthand account of history is passed on."" Leitão lives with his wife and daughter in New York City.

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