The vitality of African cultures is expressed in their dance. While studying its source and the symbolic contained therein the author indicated the characteristic features of the African dance. He also recognised daily activities as the fundamental source of the dance and its determination by the place of residence, stressing the connection between the dance and the cosmology and conception of man accepted in a given community. Further on, the author presented the role played by the dance in the individual and social life of Africans, pointing out its essential educational, social and religious meaning. The end part of the article deals with rhythm and accompanying music.