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Accepted Paper:
Dismantling Geographical Boundaries and Spatio-Temporality of African Dance Trends Within Digital Space
Oluwatoyin Olokodana-James
(University of Lagos)
Steve Itsewah
(Federal University of Lafia)
There has been a shift in the practice of African dance, which gained massive recognition within constituted global world culture. This study examines unconventional dance creations and how traditionally acclaimed notions of spatiotemporal limitations are obliterated within digital spaces.
Paper long abstract:
Deconstructing and navigating the trinities of time, space, and action, African dance experiences and practices in today's world have been redefined through technological interventions and digital connections. The obliteration of time and space, among many other advantages, has made African dances accessible to all and sundry without restrictions. More importantly, this connection has also created lucrative artistic spaces and healthy competitive relations through dance trends and challenges within digital spaces. Consequently, the question of source, authorship, or ownership of the African-generated movement or dance trend becomes secondary as the quest to participate or tap into the 'moments of dance fame' takes top priority. This study seeks to identify the unconventional platform of dance creation and viewership to examine how traditionally acclaimed notions of spatial and temporal limitations in dance are obliterated within digital spaces. It seeks to cross-examine the theoretical dimensions that can explain the new dance world culture, which has most recently destroyed dance's geographical boundaries and limitations across cultures. The study has, therefore, randomly selected African dance trends and challenges on TikTok and Instagram networks to appraise the interconnectedness and interplay between the trinities and how digital artists and audiences connect to create the most vibrant dance content and global experiences.