Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
Traditional Dances
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Traditional Dances
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education Health Core
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Grade code: 1.1.2.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.2.LI.2
Theme: Physical Activity and Health
Subtheme: Traditional Dances
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson introduces students to Ghanaian traditional dances as a form of physical activity and cultural expression. We will focus on Agbadza, a vibrant social dance of the Ewe people from the Volta Region. Understanding and performing our traditional dances is not just about preserving our rich culture; it's a fantastic way to stay physically fit, improve our coordination, and build community spirit. This lesson moves beyond simply watching dances to actively participating in them, appreciating their history, and recognizing their health benefits in our daily lives.
A. What is a Traditional Dance? A traditional dance is a dance form that originates from a particular community or ethnic group, passed down through generations. It is more than just movement; it is a form of communication that tells stories, celebrates history, marks important life events (like births, funerals, festivals), and strengthens community bonds. In Ghana, dances like Adowa, Kpanlogo, Bamaya, and our focus for today, Agbadza, are living expressions of our cultural heritage. B. The Agbadza Dance: History and Significance Origin: Agbadza originates from the Ewe people of the Volta Region of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. History: It evolved from an older Ewe war dance called `Atrikpui`. The movements, which mimic battlefield actions like reconnaissance or dodging an enemy, have been adapted over time. The name "Agbadza" is said to mean "the stretcher is removed," signifying that the war is over, and it's time for peace and celebration. Cultural Context: Today, Agbadza is a social and recreational dance. It is performed at funerals to celebrate the life of the deceased, at festivals like the Hogbetsotso Festival, and at various community gatherings to express joy, solidarity, and cultural identity. Instrumentation: The dance is driven by a polyrhythmic percussion ensemble, including: `Gankogui` (double bell): Provides the timeline and foundational rhythm. `Axatse` (gourd rattle): Plays in conversation with the bell. `Kaganu`, `Kidi`, `Sogo` (support drums): Add texture and density to the rhythm. `Atsimevu` (master drum): The lead drum that communicates with the dancers, giving them cues for changing movements. C. Health and Fitness Benefits of Agbadza Performing Agbadza is an excellent form of exercise. Health-Related Fitness Components: Cardiorespiratory Endurance: The continuous, energetic nature of the dance elevates the heart rate, strengthening the heart and lungs. Muscular Endurance: The semi-squat position and repetitive leg movements build endurance in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. The arm movements work the shoulders and back. Flexibility: The twisting of the torso and movement of the shoulder joints improve range of motion. Body Composition: Regular practice helps burn calories, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight. Skill-Related Fitness Components: Coordination: Agbadza requires moving your feet, arms, and torso simultaneously in different rhythms, which drastically improves body coordination. Rhythm: The entire dance is about responding to the music, especially the bell and master drum, honing one's sense of rhythm. Balance: Maintaining the low centre of gravity and executing steps requires good static and dynamic balance. Agility: Changing steps and directions in response to the master drum's cues enhances agility. D. Breakdown of Basic Agbadza Steps We will learn the dance step-by-step. The key is to stay relaxed, bend your knees, and let the music move you. The Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and body slightly leaned forward from the waist. This "low-to-the-ground" posture is fundamental. Step 1: The Basic Shuffle (`Vutsotsoe` - "to drag the foot") Description: This is the foundational footwork. Instead of lifting your feet high, you shuffle or glide them against the floor. How-to: From the stance, slide your right foot slightly forward, then bring it back. Slide your left foot slightly forward, then bring it back. Keep the movement small, smooth, and in time with the `Gankogui` (bell) rhythm. Your hips and body will naturally sway slightly. Step 2: The Arm Swing & Push Description: This is the characteristic arm movement of Agbadza. How-to: Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle, keeping your hands loosely open or clasped. As your right foot shuffles forward, your left arm swings forward and your right arm swings back. As your left foot shuffles forward, your right arm swings forward and your left arm swings back. The movement should feel like you are gently pushing something away with your forward arm. Step 3: The Torso Twist Description: The power and grace of Agbadza come from the torso. How-to: While performing the shuffle and arm swings, actively twist your upper body from side to side. When your left arm is forward, twist your torso to the right. When your right arm is forward, twist your torso to the left. This should be a fluid, controlled movement originating from your core.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
(Teacher's Note: Use a sound system to play Agbadza music. Start with just the bell rhythm before using the full ensemble track. The instructions below are for the teacher to lead the class.)
Activity 1: Finding the Pulse Task: "Everyone, stand up. I am going to play the `Gankogui` (bell) rhythm. First, just listen. (Play rhythm). Now, let's clap the main beat together: 'ka-ka, ka-ka-ka'. Good! Now, try to march gently in place to that same beat." Solution/Commentary: The teacher leads the clapping and marching. This activity isolates the core rhythm, which is the foundation for all the steps. It helps learners internalize the timing before adding complex movements.