Dancing national identity during the one-party rule in Gabon (1968–1990)

What is it about?

This paper describes the construction of national dance performances in Gabon. It is based on an analysis of two music and dance genres created during the one-party rule: cultural animation groups, and the National Ballet.

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Why is it important?

This paper sheds light on an unsung part of Gabonese history. It shows how, in the case of Gabon, dance and music ensembles have not only been used by the single party to produce ordinary consent; they were also employed by popular classes to assert their agency, despite the domination of the single party. This unknown history of two national dance and music genres ultimately adds innovative elements to the existing literature on culture, politics, gender, and initiation societies in Gabon.