Final answer:
The most popular dance form among African Americans on plantations was patting juba, a dance that involved body percussion and rhythms that communicated and maintained a sense of community. Countryside dances were a common practice, and the tradition of patting juba later influenced the Charleston dance. African American spiritual music also influenced numerous American music genres.
Step-by-step explanation:
Popular Dance Forms of African Americans on Plantations
The most popular dance form among African Americans on plantations was patting juba. This form of dance was deeply rooted in African traditions and served not only as a social activity but also as a means of communication. The rhythms and movements of patting juba enabled slaves to express themselves and maintain a sense of community despite the oppressive conditions of plantation life.
Enslaved African Americans would often hold countryside dances at night, even after such gatherings were outlawed post the Stono Rebellion. These dances were characterized by a mix of African musical traditions such as call and response vocals, and instrument imitation with body movements, giving rise to foot tapping, hand clapping, and thigh slapping. The culmination of these traditions paved the way for future dance styles, including the Charleston, which maintains elements of patting juba.
Moreover, African American music and dance on plantations were a fusion of West African and European American influences, with spiritual songs that had been passed down over generations, contributing to the development of numerous other American music genres. The practice of lined-out hymnody among African Americans represented a key cultural contribution, intertwining religious and musical heritage. Dance and music formed a crucial element of African American culture, serving as a vehicle for self-expression, community formation, and cultural continuity amid adversity.