xii, 88 pages : 25 cm, Translated from the French, Includes bibliographical references, Classical Dance. Other dance styles seen in the West. Modern dance -- Ch. 1. African Culture and the West -- Ch. 2. Traditional African Dance. Awareness and spirituality. The Cou and the Zou. Dance as the major component of African social life. The Talents and Culture of Traditional African Dance. The Ignorance of traditional African dance. The expressive African dance of Elsa Wolliaston. African dance in the West. Mudra Afrique or getting to know African dance. Traditional African dance and mime. Innovation, Improvisation and Creativity. The new must be born from the old. The author's experience -- Ch. 3. The Influence of the Natural World. Mountains. The Plain. The Forest. The Coast. Traditional African dance on stilts or the African way to dance on point while respecting the body. Beo and Gnenon Dances. Beo Dances. Gnenon Dances -- Ch. 4. The African Conception of the World. Beliefs. The Circle in Architecture. Social Life. The Dance. Criteria of Beauty