Traditional Dance – Basic 2 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Explain traditional dance
• Identify traditional dance in Nigeria (e.g. Gada, Atilogwu etc)
• Discuss the different occasions of performing them

Introduction

Traditional dances are special ways of moving our bodies to celebrate our culture. Each region in Nigeria has its own traditional dances.

Content

What is Traditional Dance? Traditional dance is:

• Special body movements from our culture
• Dances passed down from our ancestors
• Performed during celebrations and ceremonies
• Usually done with traditional music

Examples of Nigerian Traditional Dances:

1. Gada Dance – from Northern Nigeria
2. Atilogwu Dance – from Eastern Nigeria (Igbo land)

Bata Dance – from Western Nigeria (Yoruba land)

1. Swange Dance – from Middle Belt Nigeria

Occasions for Traditional Dances:

• Festivals – like New Yam Festival, Durbar
• Weddings – to celebrate new couples
• Harvest time – to thank God for good crops
• Religious ceremonies – to worship and pray
• Welcome visitors – to show hospitality
• Cultural events – to preserve our heritage

Features of Traditional Dances:

• Colorful traditional costumes
• Traditional musical instruments
• Group participation
• Tell stories through movement

Activity

1. Watch a simple traditional dance demonstration
2. Learn basic steps of a local traditional dance
3. Practice moving to traditional music rhythms
4. Draw people performing traditional dance

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. Traditional dance comes from: a) Modern times b) Our ancestors c) Other countries d) Schools
2. Atilogwu dance is from which part of Nigeria? a) North b) South c) East d) West
3. Traditional dances are performed during: a) Festivals b) Weddings c) Celebrations d) All of the above
4. Gada dance is from: a) Eastern Nigeria b) Western Nigeria c) Northern Nigeria d) Southern Nigeria
5. Traditional dancers usually wear: a) School uniform b) Traditional costumes c) Modern clothes d) Sports wear

Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(d), 4(c), 5(b)