Introduction: Manjani, dance of the initiate
Lamban, dance of the Jali : Mandinka history and the origin of dance systems
Mande and the emergence of a distinct cultural system
Kankouran, dance of the masquerade : the particulars of Mandinka dance
Form and Mandinka dance movements
Deciphering Mandinka dance systems
Mandinka dance : yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Dundunba, strength and endurance : historical cataclysms and dance survivals
Slavery in Africa and its influence on dance systems
Foreign religions, colonialism, modernity, and dance
Sofa, warrior dance : Mandinka dance and cultural decolonization
Fodéba, Touré, identity, and dance
Conclusion: Soli, rite of passage; where do we go from here?.