Integración de la cultura Dancehall y Afro en la formación danzaría del Grupo Selección del colegio IED La Candelaria

Abstract

Dance is an artistic and cultural expression comprised of the body, identity, and collective expression. It fosters the development of motor, socio-emotional, and cognitive skills. In the educational context, dance is a pedagogical tool that aids learning, collaborative work, and the recognition of cultural diversity, primarily through urban, Afro-descendant, and traditional rhythms. Therefore, this project aims to promote the urban culture of Dancehall and Afro dance as an integral part of the training process for the Grupo Selección at the Colegio IED La Candelaria. This project employs a qualitative approach with a socio-critical paradigm and an inductive-deductive method. It focuses on understanding and transforming dance learning through the active participation of students. It is developed as applied research with the Grupo Selección at the Colegio IED La Candelaria, integrating the urban cultures of Dancehall and Afro dance. Participant observation and audiovisual recording allowed for the analysis of the formative, creative, and pedagogical process. The results demonstrated a progressive appropriation of urban culture by the Grupo Selección, reflected in the students' technical, expressive, and identity-based development. Through Dancehall, Afro-Colombian dance, and fusions with traditional Colombian rhythms, a solid choreographic work was created, fostering greater group cohesion, cultural awareness, and stage presence. In conclusion, the implementation of pedagogical strategies based on participation, cultural reflection, and collective creation allowed dance to become a comprehensive educational tool. The process not only yielded artistic products for performances and competitions but also strengthened values such as respect for cultural diversity, teamwork, and identity formation.