Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Nigerian dance styles
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Nigerian dance styles
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Subject: Music
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Musical Practice And Performance C : Dance Ii
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Students should be able to: state the place of traditional (cultural) dance in the society identify nigerian dance styles from various ethnic groups.
complex footwork, sudden stops, and dynamic torso movements. It requires significant skill and stamina, often performed by initiates of Sango and other deities. The Bata drums are central to its rhythm.
Gelede Dance: Performed by masked male dancers dressed as women, honouring "Our Mothers" – elderly women, female deities, and ancestral mothers, who hold significant spiritual power (Aje). The dance promotes community well-being, fertility, and peace. Movements are often graceful and deliberate, accompanied by elaborate masks and costumes.
Eyo Dance: A unique masquerade performance primarily associated with Lagos State. The Eyo masquerades, clad in white robes, dance with staffs (Opambata) during the burial rites of important chiefs or elders, guiding their spirits. It is a highly ceremonial and historical dance.
3. Hausa/Fulani (North): Koroso Dance: A social dance common among the Hausa peasantry, often performed during harvest festivals, weddings, and other celebrations. It features rhythmic foot-stamping, hand clapping, and body movements, often in a circular formation, reflecting communal joy.
Shadi Dance (Fulani): A courtship and bravery display among the nomadic Fulani. Young men engage in a stick-fighting dance, demonstrating strength and endurance to impress young women. It is often accompanied by drumming and chanting.
Dambe (Boxing Dance): Though more of a traditional boxing art, it incorporates dance-like movements and rhythmic drumming before and during bouts, celebrating strength and masculinity.
4. Efik/Ibibio (South-South): Ekombi Dance: A beautiful and elegant maiden dance, often performed by young women. It traditionally pays homage to the water spirits (Ndem) and is characterized by graceful arm movements mimicking ocean waves, rhythmic waist undulations, and gentle footwork. Costumes are often colourful, with elaborate beadwork.
Ukwa Dance: A vibrant and energetic warrior dance, often performed by men, showcasing strength, agility, and courage. It typically involves powerful leaps, mock combat movements, and coordinated formations, usually seen during communal events and festivals.
5. Benin (Edo) (South-South): Ema Dance: A royal and ceremonial dance performed by palace dancers during important events, coronations, and festivals of the Oba of Benin. It is a stately and dignified dance, reflecting the grandeur and history of the Benin Kingdom. Igbabonelimhin (Acrobatic Masquerade Dance): Performed by masquerades in Esanland, involving astonishing acrobatic feats, spins, and jumps, often done on stilts. It is linked to ancestral reverence and agricultural cycles.
6. Tiv (North-Central): Swange Dance: A popular social dance among the Tiv people. It is characterized by circular movements, shoulder shrugging, and rhythmic hip swivels, often performed in a jovial and communal setting. It is adaptable and often incorporates modern influences. These examples illustrate the diversity and profound cultural significance embedded in Nigerian dance styles. Each dance carries specific meaning, serves particular functions, and contributes to the overall identity and heritage of its people.
A. Definition of Traditional (Cultural)
Dance: Traditional dance, often referred to as cultural dance, is a form of artistic movement that is rooted in the history, traditions, and customs of a particular community or ethnic group. It is typically passed down through generations, often evolving subtly over time but retaining core elements that reflect the group's worldview, social structure, and spiritual beliefs. These dances are integral to specific cultural events, ceremonies, and celebrations, often accompanied by distinct music, costumes, and props.
B. The Place of Traditional (Cultural)
Dance in Nigerian Society (Objective 1): Traditional dance plays a multifaceted and indispensable role in Nigerian society, transcending mere entertainment to serve vital social, spiritual, and educational functions.
1. Cultural Preservation and Transmission: Dance serves as a living archive of a people's history, myths, values, and social norms. Through movement, stories are told, heroic deeds are commemorated, and cultural philosophies are embodied, ensuring that these traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
2. Social Cohesion and Community Building: Performances often bring entire communities together, fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and shared identity. Participation in communal dances strengthens social bonds and reinforces collective spirit.
3. Ritual and Religious Significance: Many Nigerian dances are sacred, forming an essential part of religious worship, rites of passage (birth, initiation, marriage, funerals), and ancestral veneration. They are believed to facilitate communication between the physical and spiritual worlds, invoking blessings or warding off evil.
4. Entertainment and Recreation: Beyond its deeper meanings, traditional dance provides a vibrant form of entertainment and leisure, offering joy, excitement, and aesthetic pleasure during festivals, social gatherings, and celebrations.
5. Communication and Expression: Dance can convey complex messages, emotions, and narratives where spoken words might be inadequate or inappropriate. It serves as a non-verbal language, expressing sorrow, joy, defiance, reverence, or courtship.
6. Education and Socialization: Young people learn about their culture, history, and social roles by observing and participating in traditional dances. It teaches discipline, coordination, teamwork, and respect for elders and traditions.
7. Economic Value: Traditional dances contribute to the local economy through cultural tourism, the sale of related crafts (costumes, instruments), and the employment of professional dancers, choreographers, and musicians. Cultural exports also showcase Nigeria's diversity on the global stage.
8. Physical Expression and Well-being: The vigorous movements in many traditional dances promote physical fitness, agility, and overall well-being, serving as a form of exercise and stress relief.
C. Identification of Nigerian Dance Styles from Various Ethnic Groups (Objective 2): Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups, boasts an incredible array of dance styles, each unique in its origin, purpose, movements, and accompanying elements. Below are examples from major ethnic groups:
1. Igbo (South-East): Atilogwu: Meaning "is magic done?" or "wonder," this is a highly acrobatic and energetic dance primarily performed by young men and women. It is characterized by vigorous leaps, spins, and synchronized movements, often seen during festivals, celebrations, and youth gatherings. Costumes are typically vibrant, with rattles on ankles and wrists.
Nkwa Umuagbogho (Maiden Dance): A graceful and elegant dance performed by young, unmarried women. It emphasizes rhythmic body movements, intricate footwork, and graceful hand gestures, often showcasing beauty and poise. It is common during festivals, marriage ceremonies, and social events.
Mmanwu (Masquerade Dance): Performed by masked figures representing ancestral spirits. These dances vary widely but often involve dramatic, symbolic movements, spiritual invocations, and sometimes chase scenes. They are central to ancestral worship and community rituals.
2. Yoruba (South-West): Bata Dance: Strongly associated with the worship of Sango (god of thunder and lightning). It is an intricate and powerful dance, characterized by complex footwork, sudden stops, and dynamic torso movements. It requires significant skill and stamina, often performed by initiates of Sango and other deities. The Bata drums are central to its rhythm.
Gelede Dance: Performed by masked male dancers dressed as women, honouring "Our Mothers" – elderly women, female deities, and ancestral mothers, who hold significant spiritual power (Aje). The dance promotes community well-being, fertility, and peace. Movements are often graceful and deliberate, accompanied by elaborate masks and costumes.
Eyo Dance: A unique masquerade performance primarily associated with Lagos State.
The Introduction (10 minutes): Teacher Activity: Begin the lesson by playing a short audio or video clip of a vibrant Nigerian traditional dance (e.g., Atilogwu, Ekombi, or Bata). Encourage students to observe the movements, costumes, and musical accompaniment. Ask leading questions such as, "What comes to mind when you see or hear this?" or "What kind of event do you think this dance would be for?" Student Activity: Students watch/listen attentively, share initial observations, and respond to the teacher's questions, drawing on prior knowledge or assumptions about traditional dances.
Activity 1: The Place of Traditional Dance (20 minutes): Teacher Activity: Facilitate a brainstorming session or group discussion. Divide students into small groups (e.g., 4-5 students per group). Provide each group with a large sheet of paper or whiteboard space. Instruct them to list as many functions or roles of traditional dance in Nigerian society as they can think of. Guide them to consider social, cultural, religious, economic, and entertainment aspects. After group discussions, invite spokespersons from each group to share their points with the class. Summarise and elaborate on the key roles of dance in society, connecting them to the explanations provided in Key Concept
B. Student Activity: In groups, students brainstorm and discuss the roles of traditional dance. They record their ideas and then present their findings to the class. They actively listen to other groups' contributions and the teacher's explanations.
Activity 2: Identifying Nigerian Dance Styles (30 minutes): Teacher Activity: Prepare visual aids (pictures or short video clips) of various Nigerian dance styles discussed in Key Concept C (e.g., Atilogwu, Bata, Ekombi, Koroso, Gelede). For each visual, present it to the class and provide concise information about its ethnic origin, occasion/purpose, and distinct characteristics (movements, costumes, music). Encourage students to observe carefully and ask questions. The teacher may demonstrate a very basic, simplified movement from one or two of the dances if appropriate and culturally sensitive.
Student Activity: Students observe the visual aids, listen to the descriptions, and take notes. They identify the ethnic origins and purposes of the dances. Students may attempt to mimic very simple, non-complex movements if demonstrated by the teacher, under supervision.
Activity 3: Practical Application (Evaluation Guide) (40 minutes): Teacher Activity: Select one Nigerian dance style that is relatively simple to learn basic steps and is culturally appropriate for the classroom (e.g., basic Swange steps, a simple Ekombi sequence, or a basic communal dance like Koroso). Clearly explain and demonstrate the basic steps and accompanying rhythmic patterns. Break down the movements into manageable parts, repeating as necessary. Provide clear instructions on posture, arm movements, and footwork. Supervise students as they practice, offering individual and group feedback. Emphasise rhythm and coordination.
Student Activity: Students actively participate in learning the selected dance. They follow the teacher's instructions, practice the basic steps individually and then in groups. They try to maintain rhythm and coordination, demonstrating engagement and effort.
Conclusion (10 minutes): Teacher Activity: Recap the main points of the lesson: the importance of traditional dance and the diversity of Nigerian dance styles. Ask students to share one new thing they learned. Address any remaining questions. Assign independent practice questions.
Student Activity: Students recall and share key learnings. They ask clarifying questions and note down independent practice assignments. The teacher should facilitate these questions after Activity 1 and 2, providing immediate feedback.
Question 1 (Objective 1): State three significant roles that traditional dance plays in binding communities together in Nigeria.
Solution: Social Cohesion: Traditional dances often require collective participation, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience among community members.
Cultural Preservation: They transmit shared history, values, and traditions, reinforcing a collective identity and connection to heritage.
Celebration and Ritual: Dances mark important life events and festivals, providing a communal platform for expression, celebration, and spiritual engagement, strengthening shared beliefs and practices.
Question 2 (Objective 2): Name one Nigerian dance style from the Igbo ethnic group and describe its main characteristic.
Solution: One Igbo dance style is Atilogwu. Its main characteristic is its highly energetic and acrobatic nature, featuring vigorous leaps, spins, and synchronized complex movements, often performed by youth.
Question 3 (Objective 2): Identify the ethnic group associated with the 'Bata' dance and state its primary purpose.
Solution: The 'Bata' dance is associated with the Yoruba ethnic group. Its primary purpose is religious worship, particularly for the deity Sango (god of thunder and lightning), and other ceremonial events.
Question 4 (Objective 1 & 2): Explain how a dance like 'Ekombi' contributes to cultural preservation in its community.
Solution: The 'Ekombi' dance, from the Efik/Ibibio ethnic group, contributes to cultural preservation by: Embodying spiritual beliefs: Its graceful movements often mimic ocean waves, paying homage to water spirits (Ndem), thereby preserving the community's spiritual connection to its environment.
Transmitting aesthetic values: It showcases the beauty, poise, and traditional attire of Efik/Ibibio maidens, transmitting ideals of grace and cultural elegance to younger generations.
Reinforcing identity: By regularly performing this dance during festivals and social gatherings, the community collectively reinforces its unique cultural identity and ensures that its distinct artistic expression continues to thrive.
Cultural Diplomacy and Tourism: Traditional Nigerian dances are frequently showcased at international festivals and diplomatic events, serving as powerful tools for cultural diplomacy. Locally, they are central to tourist attractions such as the Calabar Carnival, Argungu Fishing Festival, and various community-based cultural festivals, drawing both local and international visitors, thereby boosting local economies through arts and hospitality. Vocational Opportunities in the Creative Industry: Understanding Nigerian dance styles opens up diverse vocational pathways. Graduates can become professional dancers in cultural troupes (e.g., The National Troupe of Nigeria), choreographers for stage productions or film, dance instructors, cultural event planners, or designers of traditional dance costumes and props. This directly contributes to job creation and entrepreneurship within Nigeria's growing creative economy.
Community Health and Well-being: Participation in traditional dances provides a communal form of physical exercise, promoting health and well-being among community members. Beyond the physical aspect, the communal nature of these dances strengthens social bonds, reduces isolation, and provides an outlet for emotional expression, contributing to mental health and a sense of belonging in Nigerian communities.