Embodying Creole heritage: The Dominican Bélé

Jane Carr, Delia Cuffy-Weeks, Aristedes Narh Hargoe, Terry Ofosu, Nii Tete Yartey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Creole heritage may be considered to be embodied in performance traditions understood as sites for the transmission of the complex of heritages that comprise Creole cultures. This chapter proposes the adoption of a multi-perspectival choreological analysis to support exploration of the changing cultural significance of Creole performance traditions with specific reference to Bélé as it is practised in Dominica. African, Dominican and European authors have contributed towards the analysis to further understanding of Bélé's African diasporic heritage and its symbolic significance in annual national and independence celebrations which promote Dominica's identity as a post-colonial developing state. This collaborative approach to analysis facilitates understanding of how Creole performance traditions, such as Bélé, can be understood as a living heritage through which the negotiation of Creole identities is sustained as communities face changing global contexts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCreole Cultures, Vol. 1
Subtitle of host publicationSafeguarding Creole Intangible Cultural Heritage
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages103-121
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9783031242755
ISBN (Print)9783031242748
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Nov 2023

Keywords

  • African European
  • Bélé
  • Choreological analysis
  • Creole heritage
  • Dominica
  • Embodiment

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