Jamaica, 1980s
DANCEHALL
The feminine rhythm of Kingston
Dancehall was born in Jamaica in the early 1980s, in reaction to slower, more spiritual roots reggae. Over faster rhythms, DJs (the Jamaican equivalent of rappers) toasted on the mic at "sound systems" — giant block parties in Kingston. The dance follows the music: it is practiced in dancehalls (dance halls) where each new hit comes with a new choreography.
Dancehall culture is deeply linked to "step masters" and to the women who, in Kingston, are constantly creating new "steps" — Pon Di River, Willie Bounce, Bogle, Signal Di Plane, Nuh Linga... The dance has been exported worldwide by artists like Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, and via the Jamaican diasporas of London, Brooklyn, or Toronto.
How it's danced
Technique & figures
Dancehall is danced to Jamaican riddims at 90-100 BPM. The body stays low, knees bent, hips free, shoulders relaxed. There are two registers: "old school" Dancehall (broad, fluid movements) and "new school" (codified steps, shared choreographies).
Styles and fundamentals
Every "step" has a name, a creator, and often an associated track. Dancers learn the vocabulary through videos and workshops. The vocabulary is vast — several hundred steps catalogued since the 1990s — and is renewed every year.
Main figures
- 01
Bogle
An undulation of the arms in front of the chest, hips following the movement. Created by Gerald "Bogle" Levy, the father of modern Dancehall, who died in 2005.
- 02
Willie Bounce
A bounce on both legs, with one hand on the hat and a "boom" gesture. A signature of the old-school style.
- 03
Pon Di River
A wave of the chest and arms simulating swimming in a river. Created for Elephant Man's hit track.
- 04
Whine
A slow, sensual rotation of the hips, done solo or as a couple. A basis of the feminine vocabulary.
- 05
Dutty Wine
A fast rotation of the head and hips in opposite directions. Created by Tony Matterhorn in 2006, virally popularized.
- 06
Signal Di Plane
Extended arms mimicking flight-attendant gestures. One of the typical festive Dancehall choreographies.
Reading the music
Dancehall is danced to riddims (instrumentals) produced in Jamaica: Sleng Teng (1985), Diwali, Coolie Dance, Hard Times. Each riddim generates dozens of tracks and associated steps.
Did you know?
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