Why read National Rhythms, African Roots?

Book cover of National Rhythms, African Roots: The Deep History of Latin American Popular Dance

Book description

When John Charles Chasteen learned that Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, danced on a banquet table to celebrate Latin American independence in 1824, he tried to visualise the scene. How, he wondered, did the Liberator dance? Did he bounce stiffly in his dress uniform? Or did he move his hips? In…

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Why read it?

1 author picked National Rhythms, African Roots as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jeroen Dewulf

Author

In this fascinating study, Chasteen examines the historical experiences that molded Latin American popular dance from an Atlantic perspective. It delves into the “deep” history of Latin American culture and analyzes the development of dancing culture in its socio-historical context. This is not only a well-researched, but also a well written and oftentimes funny book that is broadly accessible. It is a must-read for any new scholar interested in the field of Black performance culture. Although the focus is on Latin America, Chasteen’s study reveals connections that are also of great importance to understanding the historical development of Black dance…

From Jeroen's list on Atlantic cultural history.