Reviving Zimbabwean Traditional Dance through Popular Youth Culture

Abstract

As Zimbabwean youth increasingly gravitate toward modern, globally influenced music and dance, traditional cultural expressions risk fading into obscurity. This study investigates how traditional Zimbabwean dance forms can be integrated into contemporary youth culture to preserve cultural heritage in the face of globalised trends. Grounded in Raymond Williams’ concept of “culture as a whole way of life” and Homi Bhabha’s theory of cultural hybridity, the research also employs the positive deviance approach to engage a group of young creatives in experimenting with cultural fusions. The study was conceived as action research, and data was collected through field observations and interviews with dancers and creatives. Findings suggest that by identifying and promoting those individuals who have already begun blending traditional and contemporary dance, the revitalisation of Zimbabwean dance heritage can foster cultural continuity and serve as an avenue for youth self-expression. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on cultural preservation, innovation in cultural expression, and the role of the arts in civic engagement and social change