Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance – Basic 4 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is Traditional Dance?

Traditional dance is special dancing that has been passed down from our grandparents and great-grandparents.

Main Features of Nigerian Traditional Dance

1. Rhythmic Movements

• Bodies move with the beat of drums
• Fast and slow movements
• Repeated patterns

2. Cultural Costumes

• Colorful traditional clothes
• Special headgear and jewelry
• Different styles for each tribe

3. Musical Instruments

• Drums (talking drum, ekwe)
• Flutes and bells
• Clapping and singing

4. Group Dancing

• Many people dance together
• Circle formations
• Call and response

5. Storytelling

• Dances tell stories
• Show history and beliefs
• Celebrate events

6. Body Language

• Hand gestures mean something
• Facial expressions
• Stamping feet

Popular Nigerian Dances

• Bata (Yoruba)

• Nkwa (Igbo)

• Sharo (Hausa/Fulani)

EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. Traditional dance is passed down from our ________
2. Dancers wear ________ traditional clothes
3. Many people dance together in ________ dancing
4. Dances help tell ________

Exercise 2: True or False

1. Nigerian dances use drums and music ____
2. Only one person dances at a time ____
3. Dancers wear colorful costumes ____
4. Hand gestures have no meaning ____

Exercise 3: Match the Features

Draw lines to connect:

• Rhythmic movements → Colorful clothes and jewelry
• Cultural costumes → Bodies move with drum beats
• Group dancing → Many people dance together

Exercise 4: Name the Dance

Write which Nigerian dance belongs to each group:

1. Yoruba people dance: ________
2. Igbo people dance: ________
3. Hausa/Fulani people dance: ________

Exercise 5: Complete the Sentence

1. Dances tell ________ about our culture
2. Dancers use their ________ and feet to express feelings
3. Traditional dances celebrate special ________

Remember: Traditional dances keep our Nigerian culture alive and strong!