Whether considered as a personal movement practice or a cultural phenomenon, Kete has much to say about the people who perform it. Whatever symbolic messages the Kete dance form carries can become a subject of interpretation by choreographers, scholars, teachers, writers, and audience. In this section, I explore the foundational cultural gender concepts embedded within Kete music and dancing. The discussion delves into the specific competencies essential for the performance of gendered movements by both male and female dancers. Additionally, I highlight the gendered messages conveyed through these movements, contributing to the overall aesthetic presentation within the Kete dance form. This exploration aims to shed light on the intri-cate interplay of gender dynamics within the rich cultural tapestry of Kete, offering insights into how gender is embodied and expressed through this traditional Ghanaian dance form.

The embodiment and expression of gender within the traditional Ghanaian dance form of Kete are deeply intertwined with the concept of Africanist aesthetics. Dance ethnologists such as Kariamu Welsh-Asante and Ofotsu Adinku have contributed significantly to the understanding of Africanist aesthetics, which has found relevance in Ghanaian dance scholarship. This aesthetic perspective extends not only to the four dance cat-egories identified by Awuah (2015) but also encompasses African diasporic dance performances. Modesto Amegago emphasizes the necessity of grasping African philosophy to comprehend African aesthetics fully. In agreement with Amegago, I acknowledge that African aesthetics in Kete are shaped by a complex interplay of biological/physical, social, economic, political, religious, and ethical values. These values find expression through the bodies of performers, the perceptions of spectators, and the custodianship of the dance form in diverse contexts. This holistic understanding illuminates the rich tapestry of gendered expressions within the cultural framework of Kete, offering insights into the intricate relationship between aesthetics and the broader philosophical foundations of African dance.

Within the broader exploration of a generalized African aesthetic, the distinct elements of style and character play a crucial role in defining gender roles and cultural stereotypes. These elements not only serve as aesthetic markers but also contribute to gendered interpretations of societal norms and issues through performance.