| From colonial time to modern day time, dancing has | | | | increased their preparedness for possession. These |
| been part of Jamaican culture. Early dances in | | | | types of dances are preserved by the Maroon |
| Jamaica were believed to be part of religious | | | | Communities. |
| celebrations and Christian events and holidays. In | | | | Jamaican Creole dances on the other hand integrate |
| recent years, dances have been associated with | | | | two cultures - European and African. They have |
| Jamaican music particularly with dance hall styles. | | | | dances such as Bruckin's, Maypole, Dinkie mini, and |
| Dances have also important participation during | | | | Pukkumina. Social dances that are derived from |
| celebration of famous events such as Jamaican | | | | European culture are often accompanied with ring |
| Hosay which is a Caribbean East Indian festival. | | | | games and work songs. |
| There are an estimated 30 Jamaican dances. The | | | | The dance theater is gaining its importance in the |
| National Library of Jamaica said that there are three | | | | culture and the arts of Jamaica. Jamaicans such as |
| categories of Jamaican dances - European- derived, | | | | Eddy Thomas, Edna Manley, Rex Nettleford, and Olive |
| African-derived, and Creole. | | | | Lewin are accredited for their contribution to Jamaican |
| The African derived dances are divided into two | | | | music and dance. In 1950, the National Dance Theater |
| forms - social dances and religious dances. African | | | | Company was formed by Ivy Baxter, Thomas, and |
| religious dances like Myal, Pocomania, and Kumina are | | | | Nettleford. Garth Fagan, a noted dance choreographer |
| vital parts of worship ceremonies with the goal of | | | | gave pride to Jamaican flag when he won his Tony |
| bringing the dancers into the spiritual world and | | | | Award for the Broadway stage play "The Lion King. |