Forms and Types of Dance – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

A dance form is a style of dance with its own characteristics, purpose and cultural background. Dance can be grouped by purpose, origin, style, participation or cultural background. The main forms are traditional or folk, classical, modern, contemporary and social dance. Nigerian peoples such as the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa-Fulani each have their own traditional dances.

Dance exists in many forms and types across cultures worldwide. Each form has unique characteristics, purposes and cultural significance. Understanding different dance forms helps us appreciate the diversity of human expression through movement.

Behavioural objectives

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

• List the ways in which dance can be classified.
• Describe traditional/folk, classical, modern, contemporary and social dance.
• Name the types of dance by purpose and give examples of each.
• Name traditional dances from different Nigerian peoples and modern Nigerian dance forms.
• State ways of preserving dance heritage.

How is dance classified?

Dance can be classified in several ways:

• By purpose (religious, social, theatrical)
• By origin (traditional, contemporary)
• By style (classical, modern, folk)
• By participation (solo, partner, group)
• By cultural background (ethnic, national)

What are the major forms of dance?

Traditional/folk dance

Definition: Dances that originate from the traditions of common people.

Characteristics:

• Passed down through generations
• Reflects cultural identity
• Often performed at festivals
• Uses traditional music and costumes
• Community participation

Examples:

• Nigerian traditional dances
• Irish step dancing
• Indian folk dance
• Spanish flamenco
• Scottish highland dance

Classical dance

Definition: Highly stylised forms with established techniques.

Characteristics:

• Formal training required
• Strict rules and positions
• Historical traditions
• Technical precision
• Artistic expression

Examples:

• Ballet
• Bharatanatyam (Indian)
• Chinese classical dance
• Japanese Kabuki
• Javanese court dance

Modern dance

Definition: A 20th century dance form that broke from classical ballet.

Characteristics:

• Freedom of movement
• Personal expression
• Floor work
• Natural movements
• Innovative techniques

Pioneers:

• Isadora Duncan
• Martha Graham
• Merce Cunningham
• Alvin Ailey

Contemporary dance

Definition: Current dance combining various styles.

Characteristics:

• Fusion of techniques
• Experimental approach
• Athletic movements
• Emotional expression
• Versatile style

Elements:

• Ballet influence
• Modern techniques
• Jazz elements
• Cultural fusion

Social dance

Definition: Dances performed in social gatherings.

Characteristics:

• Partner or group format
• Entertainment purpose
• Social interaction
• Popular music
• Informal setting

Types:

• Ballroom dancing
• Latin dances
• Swing dancing
• Line dancing
• Club dancing

What are the types of dance by purpose?

Religious/ritual dance

• Sacred ceremonies
• Spiritual expression
• Prayer through movement
• Healing rituals
• Worship services

Examples:

• Sufi whirling
• Native American ceremonies
• African spiritual dances
• Hindu temple dances

Ceremonial dance

• Celebrations
• Rites of passage
• National events
• Cultural festivals
• Official functions

Examples:

• Wedding dances
• Coronation dances
• Harvest celebrations
• Victory dances

Theatrical dance

• Stage performances
• Entertainment shows
• Musical theatre
• Dance concerts
• Commercial productions

Examples:

• Broadway shows
• Dance companies
• Music videos
• Film choreography

Recreational dance

• Exercise and fitness
• Social enjoyment
• Stress relief
• Community building
• Personal pleasure

Examples:

• Aerobic dance
• Zumba
• Dance parties
• Flash mobs

What are the Nigerian dance forms?

Traditional dances by region

Yoruba dances

• Bata Dance
• Dundun Dance
• Gombe Dance
• Sakara Dance

Characteristics: Polyrhythmic, spiritual significance.

Igbo dances

• Atilogwu (Acrobatic dance)
• Mmanwu (Masquerade dance)
• Nkwa Umu-Agbogho (Maiden dance)
• Ikpirikpe-ogu (War dance)

Characteristics: Energetic, acrobatic elements.

Hausa-Fulani dances

• Koroso
• Asauwara
• Bòòríí

Characteristics: Graceful, ceremonial.

Efik/Ibibio dances

• Ekombi
• Abang
• Ukpukpru

Characteristics: Feminine grace, storytelling.

Tiv dances

• Swange
• Gberichul

Characteristics: Social, couple dancing.

Edo dances

• Ugho
• Ema
• Ikpema

Characteristics: Royal, ceremonial.

Modern Nigerian dance forms

• Afrobeat dance
• Azonto
• Alanta
• Shoki
• Zanku (Leg work)
• Gbese
• Shaku Shaku

What are the international dance types?

Latin dances

• Salsa
• Merengue
• Bachata
• Cha-cha
• Rumba
• Samba

Ballroom dances

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Quickstep
• Viennese Waltz

Street/urban dances

• Hip-hop
• Breaking (Breakdance)
• Popping
• Locking
• Krumping
• House dance

Asian dance forms

• Bharatanatyam (India)
• Kathak (India)
• Chinese folk dance
• Japanese Bon Odori
• Thai classical dance
• Korean fan dance

What are the characteristics of traditional and modern dance forms?

Traditional characteristics

• Cultural significance
• Historical roots
• Community involvement
• Ceremonial purpose
• Costume importance

Modern characteristics

• Individual expression
• Technical innovation
• Fusion of styles
• Contemporary themes
• Global influence

How do we choose a dance form?

Consider these points:

1. Personal interest
2. Physical ability
3. Cultural connection
4. Available training
5. Career goals
6. Social aspects
7. Time commitment
8. Cost factors

How have dance forms evolved?

• Traditional to modern
• Local to global
• Sacred to secular
• Elite to popular
• Solo to group
• Static to dynamic

How can dance heritage be preserved?

Methods of preserving dance heritage include:

• Documentation
• Teaching programmes
• Cultural centres
• Performance groups
• Video recording
• Written notation
• Oral tradition
• Community events

How do we analyse a dance form?

Elements to consider:

• Movement vocabulary
• Musical accompaniment
• Cultural context
• Costume and props
• Performance space
• Audience relationship
• Training methods
• Historical development

What are the modern trends in dance?

Fusion and innovation in dance today include:

• Blending traditions
• Creating new styles
• Technology integration
• Cross-cultural exchange
• Contemporary themes
• Inclusive practices

Evaluation

1. List the five ways in which dance can be classified.
2. State four characteristics of traditional/folk dance.
3. Name two pioneers of modern dance.
4. Name the four types of dance by purpose and give one example of each.
5. Give two differences between traditional and modern dance characteristics.

Assignment

1. Choose one of the Nigerian peoples listed in this note. Write down its traditional dances and the characteristics given for them.
2. List four ways of preserving dance heritage.