Introduction

There has been a Black population in the UK for centuries and despite their lowly position in society, Black communities have danced at sacred and secular occasions. Although they were visible and left a legacy, the foundation for the modern Black Dance Movement was genuinely laid in the 20th century, from the 1940s. Europeans, from the very outset in their expansionist roles, were interested in the continent of Africa, as an outpost to exploit economically and financially and create wealth for Europe. They were not interested in ‘the dark continent&s;s’ cultural or religious traditions and values, and thus to gain maximum benefits, white Europeans created a hierarchical structure, positioning themselves and their values and structures at the top and placing Africa&s;s populations in the lowest echelons of Europe&s;s world view. For the African however, religious practice and dance were not forms separated from his daily existence and whilst Europe was financially benefitting from its ‘triangular slave trade’, the world would culturally profit from those Black enslaved bodies who were exporting Africa&s;s cultural traditions, within cultural heritage circles. The Introduction gives an overview of the Black Dance Movement in the UK, beginning and ending in and with African cultural reconnections which metamorphosed to re-emerge, re-surface and find expression globally, as Black culture.