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Embodying Creole heritage: the Dominican Bélé

  • Jane Carr
    ,
  • Delia Cuffy-Weeks
    ,
  • Aristedes Narh Hargoe
    ,
  • Terry Ofosu
    ,
  • Nii Tete Yartey
  • Konmité pou Étid Kwéyòl
    ,
  • University of Ghana
    ,
  • National Theatre of Ghana
Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter Peer-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.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter Peer-review

Host publication Subtitle

Safeguarding Creole Intangible Cultural Heritage

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 103-121 (19 pages)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 15/11/2023

Publication status

Published - 15/11/2023

Publisher

Springer, Japan, India, Australia, Germany, United States, United Arab Emirates, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, China, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Brazil, France, Singapore

ISBN (Print)

9783031242748

ISBN (Electronic)

9783031242755

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/626885
  • Scopus: 85194453330

Host publication title

Creole Cultures, Vol. 1

Host publication editors

  • Violet Cuffy
  • Jane Carr

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