He was one of the first to introduce African drumming to the United States.
Asadata Dafora had a huge influence on the first phase of black concert dance. The aim of dance at this time period was to move away from minstrel stereotypes and more authentically represent blacks.
Dafora proves through Kykunkor that blacks can create sophisticated shows like Operas. The story line was about something true and serious. There were no caricatures being portrayed, and there did not need to be jokes to keep the audience captivated.
He portrays blacks as human beings and choses to not regard the stereotypes of African American barbarianism. Dafora choses to not work with the lynching being brought up in other dancers work at the time. Instead Dafora creates a respectful show about people in love.
The Ostrich dance shows adroit dexterity in movements. The sharp isolations are critical to the complex routine. It shows no faintness of mind, body, or soul. Even today when watching this dance, it creates awe. Asadata clearly knew what he was doing. He truly paved the way for blacks to be taken seriously in concert dance.
What is really interesting is that African’s found unique ways to express culture without lowering to a clique level, with the veil now gone dancers can have the opportunity to truly express themselves.