Guide to the Yvonne Payne Daniel videos of Afro-Caribbean dance traditions: Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil, 1986-1992

Scope and Contents

Full video record of Afro-Caribbean dance performances in Cuba, Haiti, and Brazil. Cuban dance focuses on traditional Cuban rumba (particular versions of professional, traditional, and general public rumba as well as two National Cuban Ballet Companies, the National Cuban Modern Dance Company (Danza Nacional), and three National Folkloric Companies (Conjunto Folklorico, Folklorico de Oriente, and Cutumba). Haitian heritage in Cuba and influences in the Caribbean are also documented in Tumba Francesa from the eighteenth century and Gaga from the twentieth century. Afro-Caribbean religious materials are highlighted first in dance traditions but also in ritual behavior: Yoruba, Palo, Abakua, Arara, and Vodun in Cuba; Rada and Congo rites in Haitian Vodun (including installation of mambos and an annual celebration at Sucrie de Nasch); and Bahian versions of Candomblé. There are a few segments of contemporary popular dance including comparsas and carnival examples.

Legacy Keywords: Dance rumba Cuba ; Celebrations gaga Cuba ; Ritual Palo Vodun Abakua Arara Cuba ; Ritual Vodun rada Congo Haiti ; Ritual Candomble Bahia ; Dance popular comparsas Carnival Cuba

Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.