Definition of Dance Basic 6 Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

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

• Explain dance
• Examine the distinguishing features of various traditional dances
• Perform a dance for a particular occasion in the school

Content

What is Dance? Dance is the art of moving the body rhythmically to music or rhythm, usually within a given space, to express ideas, emotions, stories, or cultural traditions. It combines physical movement, rhythm, creativity, and often cultural meaning to create a form of artistic expression and communication.

Basic Elements of Dance:

1. BODY

• Body Parts: Head, arms, torso, legs, feet
• Body Actions: Bend, stretch, twist, reach, jump, turn
• Body Shapes: Curved, angular, twisted, symmetrical
• Levels: High (jumping, arms up), middle (standing), low (crouching, lying)

2. SPACE

• Personal Space: Area immediately around your body
• General Space: Entire room or performance area
• Directions: Forward, backward, sideways, up, down
• Pathways: Straight, curved, zigzag patterns of movement
• Size: Big movements vs. small movements

3. TIME

• Beat: The steady pulse in music
• Rhythm: Patterns of long and short sounds
• Tempo: Fast (allegro) or slow (adagio)
• Duration: How long movements last

4. ENERGY/FORCE

• Sharp: Quick, sudden movements
• Smooth: Flowing, continuous movements
• Strong: Powerful, forceful movements
• Light: Gentle, delicate movements

5. RELATIONSHIP

• Solo: Dancing alone
• Partner: Dancing with one other person
• Group: Dancing with many people
• Leading and Following: Taking turns being in front

Functions of Dance:

Cultural Functions:

• Preserves traditions and history
• Expresses cultural identity and values
• Marks important ceremonies and celebrations
• Teaches community customs to young people

Social Functions:

• Brings people together
• Creates bonds within communities
• Provides entertainment at gatherings
• Facilitates courtship and social interaction

Spiritual/Religious Functions:

• Connects with ancestors and spiritual world
• Used in worship and religious ceremonies
• Expresses devotion and spiritual feelings
• Accompanies prayers and rituals

Physical and Mental Functions:

• Provides exercise and improves fitness
• Develops coordination and balance
• Relieves stress and improves mood
• Enhances creativity and self-expression

Traditional Nigerian Dances:

1. BATA DANCE (YORUBA) Features:

• Origin: Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria
• Purpose: Religious worship, especially for Shango (god of thunder)
• Movements: Quick, energetic steps with emphasis on footwork
• Music: Bata drums (different sizes creating complex rhythms)
• Costumes: Colorful traditional Yoruba attire
• Distinctive Elements: Rapid foot movements, shoulder movements, call-and-response with drums

2. EKOMBI DANCE (EFIK/IBIBIO) Features:

• Origin: Efik and Ibibio people of southeastern Nigeria
• Purpose: Celebrates womanhood, fertility, and beauty
• Movements: Graceful, flowing movements emphasizing femininity
• Music: Traditional drums and singing
• Costumes: Beautiful wrapper (george) and headtie
• Distinctive Elements: Gentle hip movements, elegant arm gestures, walking in procession

3. ATILOGWU DANCE (IGBO) Features:

• Origin: Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria
• Purpose: Entertainment, celebration, competition
• Movements: Acrobatic, energetic, requiring great skill
• Music: Complex drumming patterns and traditional instruments
• Costumes: Colorful outfits with feathers and accessories
• Distinctive Elements: High jumps, flips, synchronized group movements, competitive nature

4. KOROSO DANCE (HAUSA) Features:

• Origin: Hausa people of northern Nigeria
• Purpose: Entertainment during festivals and celebrations
• Movements: Rhythmic steps with emphasis on upper body
• Music: Traditional Hausa drums and instruments
• Costumes: Traditional northern Nigerian attire
• Distinctive Elements: Dignified movements, group coordination, cultural pride

5. SWANGE DANCE (TIV) Features:

• Origin: Tiv people of middle belt Nigeria
• Purpose: Social gatherings, courtship, entertainment
• Movements: Hip movements, partner dancing
• Music: Traditional drums and local instruments
• Costumes: Traditional Tiv clothing
• Distinctive Elements: Partner interaction, community participation

School Occasion Dances:

1. WELCOME CEREMONIES

• Purpose: Greet visitors and new students
• Suggested Dances: Modified traditional dances, simple cultural presentations
• Movements: Welcoming gestures, organized formations, respectful presentations

2. CULTURAL DAY CELEBRATIONS

• Purpose: Showcase Nigerian heritage
• Suggested Dances: Traditional dances from different ethnic groups
• Movements: Authentic cultural movements adapted for school setting

3. GRADUATION/AWARD CEREMONIES

• Purpose: Celebrate achievements
• Suggested Dances: Celebratory dances with joyful movements
• Movements: Uplifting, triumphant gestures, group coordination

4. INTER-HOUSE SPORTS/COMPETITIONS

• Purpose: Show school spirit and unity
• Suggested Dances: Energetic, synchronized group dances
• Movements: Team building movements, competitive spirit

5. RELIGIOUS/MORAL EDUCATION EVENTS

• Purpose: Express spiritual or moral values
• Suggested Dances: Respectful, meaningful movements
• Movements: Reverent gestures, storytelling through dance

Creating School-Appropriate Dances:

• Simplify complex traditional movements for student ability levels
• Ensure movements are appropriate for school environment
• Adapt costumes to school uniform or simple modifications
• Focus on cultural education and respect for traditions
• Include everyone regardless of skill level
• Practice safety in all movements and formations

Activities

• Learn basic movements from one traditional Nigerian dance
• Create a simple welcome dance for school visitors
• Practice different dance elements (body, space, time, energy)
• Watch videos or demonstrations of traditional Nigerian dances
• Choreograph a short group dance for a school celebration

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Dance is the art of: a) Playing musical instruments b) Moving the body rhythmically to express ideas c) Writing stories d) Painting pictures 
2. Which is NOT a basic element of dance? a) Body b) Space c) Color d) Time 
3. Bata dance originates from which Nigerian culture? a) Igbo b) Hausa c) Yoruba d) Efik 
4. Atilogwu dance is known for being: a) Very slow and gentle b) Acrobatic and energetic c) Only for women d) Only for religious ceremonies 
5. Ekombi dance primarily celebrates: a) Harvest season b) Womanhood and beauty c) War victories d) New year 

Homework

Choose one traditional Nigerian dance discussed in class and research more about it. Write a short report (5-7 sentences) including:

• Which ethnic group it comes from
• What occasions it’s performed for
• What the movements look like
• What makes it special or unique

Practice a simple 8-count movement sequence that could be used to welcome visitors to your school. Be ready to demonstrate it and explain why you chose those movements.