Rumba: Dance and Social Change in Contemporary Cuba (Blacks in the Diaspora) [Hardcover]

Yvonne Daniel (Author)

Book Description

Series: Blacks in the Diaspora | Publication Date: June 1995

Using dance anthropology to illuminate the values and attitudes embodied in rumba, Yvonne Daniel explores the surprising relationship between dance and the profound, complex changes in contemporary Cuba. From the barrio and streets to the theatre and stage, rumba has emerged as an important medium, contributing to national goals, reinforcing Caribbean solidarity, and promoting international prestige. Since the Revolution of 1959, rumba has celebrated national identity and cultural heritage, and embodied an official commitment to new values. Once a lower-class recreational dance, rumba has become a symbol of egalitarian efforts in postrevolutionary Cuba. The professionalization of performers, organization of performance spaces, and proliferation of performance opportunities have prompted new paradigms and altered previous understandings of rumba.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This study interprets the intricate complexion of dance in Cuban society, focusing on the dynamic cultural phenomenon known as rumba, in particular. In introducing her topic, Daniel displays as vigorous a tempo as the energized movement of the dance itself. Overall, her inquiry probes the origins of rumba then proceeds to analyze the capacity of this distinctive dance to influence all levels of social interactions. It is intriguing to note that Daniel follows in the tradition of other anthropologists who have focused on dance as a method of comprehending a culture and have been dancers themselves. The professional form of rumba as well as traditional and public forms are examined here with respect to the excitement generated by and the transformative potential of this dance. Alice Joyce

About the Author

YVONNE DANIEL teaches at Smith College and the Five College Consortium in Massachusetts and is the author of articles in Dance Research Journal, Black Scholar, and Dance Ethnology.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253316057
• ISBN-13: 978-0253316059
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,025,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A superb book!, October 23, 1999

By 

Joe Hernandez, Int'l Latin Music Hall of Fame - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rumba: Dance and Social Change in Contemporary Cuba (Blacks in the Diaspora) (Paperback)

Everything you ever wanted to know about rumba, but were afraid to ask, is in this book. The reader will find the book to be an important study of this folkloric dance. I truly enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommended!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "a piece of work", August 1, 2003

By 

melina coles (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rumba: Dance and Social Change in Contemporary Cuba (Blacks in the Diaspora) (Hardcover)

Dr. Daniel's study of rumba as a vehicle for social change is a masterful work, as are the anthropological films she has produced regarding both Afro-Cuban and Haitian religious traditions. I look forward to reading more of her texts.