The first thing I am very interested in is the Stomp Dance. It was and still is performed by many different tribes in the Eastern parts of the United States(and Canada). In the Muskogee language, it can translate to "Drunk" or "crazy". This means that the dance is very fast, crazy, and fun to do. Although it has this translation, the participants must be fully sober. The dances are led by an older male from the tribe. The chief will call for the dance, and the women keep up with the rhythm. The dance is not a short thing either. Sometimes, it will last all night into the next morning. The speaking parts of the dance are also done in the call-and-response format. I have included a video that I really enjoyed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAknzFxGX1A
The second interesting thing are the African instruments. Two instruments in particular are the Kalimba and the iron double bell. The Kalimba is known in America as the "thumb piano". It is a wooden board with metal tines. The metal tines are plucked with the thumb, hence why it has the name. It is also known as a Mbira. It has been around in Africa for about 1,300 years. The iron double bell is hit with a wooden mallet to produce the sound. It is used in songs and announcements. They have been around since the late 19th century, and are essential for keeping rhythm(next to drums). The video I have included here is of someone in America playing a Kalimba with their dog next to them. Although it is not in Africa, I thought it was a great example of how it is played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd7KC3PaEaA
The last interesting things are Native American instruments. They use many drums and rattles for their songs and dances. Not only those, they also have wooden flutes. Some of the rattles used are either shaken with hands or put on the ankles as they dance. The drums can be very big and many people will hit them at once during pow wow's or stomp dances, etc. These instruments keep rhythm so no one misses a beat or a word.
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ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to know more about stomp dance. I also found out that the leader has the "Pot drum" and beats it to gather town people and the dancers during ceremonies.
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool to hear a modern song being played on the Kalimba. I feel like I have only heard the Kalimba play more traditional songs, like you would hear in Africa, so it was nice hearing something different. I enjoyed the stomp dance video.
ReplyDeleteI think the stomp dance is very interesting. I also like the Native American instruments. The drums, rattles, flutes are a simple way to make music. The Kalimba (Thumb piano) is a cool instrument, also.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. I did not know that rattles were put on the ankles too. It is rather ironic that for the “drunk dance,” the participants must be fully sober.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you posted the fellow with the kalimba and his dog--I've seen those videos a few times, and they're always very sweet.
ReplyDeleteIn future blogs--especially Cool Stuff blogs--work to actually embed the videos into the body of the text, rather than just including a link. Embedding videos makes it more user-friendly for your readers (they can read about the kalimba while listening) to it, for instance. It's not difficult--just click on the video icon on the top of the posting window and follow the prompts.