DANCING ON THE EQUATOR 



tion of a new movement — as was the case in the Dance 

 of the Trees. 



Dancing not only takes the place of sport, but it is 

 the great means whereby expression is given to the emo- 

 tions. Throughout Equatorial Africa from East to "West 

 all along that imaginary line we call the Equator, danc- 

 ing has its votaries. It is indulged in by everybody capa- 

 ble of movement, whether they be tiny tots or quite old 

 men and women; each and all have their own particular 

 forms of dancing for every period of life and for every 

 possible occasion, reUgious or secular, for funerals or 

 weddings. 



To the baseball fan or the golfing enthusiast it may 

 seem strange that dancing should take the place of 

 sports, but on the East Coast of Africa amongst the 

 Swahili in the sword dances it becomes a really lively 

 sport. These strenuous duels are swayed by rhythm. 

 During recent years sticks have been substituted for 

 swords but the same actions of parrying and thrusting 

 are carried out to the lilt of the rhythm. 



It is a great sight to witness such duels. The Swahilis 

 in their long white flowing robes, or "Kansu," enter the 

 circle of dancers and challenge anybody who may be 

 prepared to encounter them. Trained from youth in the 

 art of fencing, the standard is very high. The object of 

 each opponent is to tear the Kansu of the other while 

 protecting his own garment. Such duels may always be 

 seen at wedding dances. All the time that the duel is in 

 progress a kind of orchestra is provided on a raised dais, 



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