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.

Behavioural objectives

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

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

How is dance classified?

Dance is classified in five ways: by purpose, origin, style, participation and cultural background.

• By purpose: religious, ceremonial, theatrical and recreational dance.
• By origin: traditional (old, from a community) or contemporary (current).
• By style: classical, modern or folk.
• By participation: solo (one dancer), partner (two dancers) or group (many dancers).
• By cultural background: ethnic (one people, such as the Igbo) or national (a whole country).

What are the major forms of dance?

There are five major forms of dance: traditional or folk, classical, modern, contemporary and social dance.

Traditional/folk dance

Traditional or folk dance is dance that comes from the traditions of ordinary people in a community.

• Passed down: older people teach it to younger people through the generations.
• Cultural identity: it shows the beliefs and way of life of a people.
• Festivals: it is often performed at festivals.
• Music and costume: it uses traditional music, drums and dress.
• Community participation: many people take part, not only trained dancers.

Examples:

• Nigerian traditional dances: for example Atilogwu of the Igbo.
• Irish step dancing: quick footwork with a still upper body.
• Indian folk dance: village dances of the different Indian regions.
• Spanish flamenco: dance with guitar, clapping and stamping, from Spain.
• Scottish highland dance: dance from Scotland, performed in traditional dress.

Classical dance

Classical dance is a highly stylised dance form with established techniques.

• Formal training: dancers study for many years under a teacher.
• Strict rules and positions: every step and posture is fixed.
• Historical traditions: the style has been kept for a long time.
• Technical precision: movements must be exact and neat.
• Artistic expression: the dancer tells a story or shows a feeling through set movements.

Examples:

• Ballet: a European stage dance built on set positions.
• Bharatanatyam: classical dance of India.
• Chinese classical dance: the stage dance tradition of China.
• Japanese Kabuki: Japanese stage art that joins dance, music and drama.
• Javanese court dance: refined dance from the royal courts of Java, in Indonesia.

Modern dance

Modern dance is a 20th century dance form that broke away from classical ballet.

• Freedom of movement: dancers are not bound by ballet rules.
• Personal expression: the dancer shows his or her own ideas and feelings.
• Floor work: dancers use the floor, such as rolling, falling and sitting.
• Natural movements: walking, breathing and swinging are used as dance.
• Innovative techniques: dancers create new ways of moving.

Pioneers (all American):

• Isadora Duncan: danced freely, barefoot and without strict ballet steps.
• Martha Graham: built a modern dance technique of her own.
• Merce Cunningham: dancer and choreographer who tried new ideas in dance.
• Alvin Ailey: founded a dance company that celebrates African American culture.

Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance is current dance that combines several styles.

• Fusion of techniques: it mixes styles in one piece.
• Experimental approach: choreographers try new ideas.
• Athletic movements: jumps, turns and lifts need strength and fitness.
• Emotional expression: dancers show strong feelings and ideas.
• Versatile style: it can change to suit any theme.

Styles it draws from:

• Ballet influence: control, balance and line.
• Modern techniques: floor work and free movement.
• Jazz elements: lively rhythm and sharp movements.
• Cultural fusion: steps from traditional dances of different peoples.

Social dance

Social dance is dance performed for enjoyment at social gatherings.

• Partner or group format: people dance in pairs, lines or circles.
• Entertainment purpose: the aim is fun, not a stage show.
• Social interaction: dancers meet and enjoy each other’s company.
• Popular music: the music is what people listen to at the time.
• Informal setting: parties, clubs and halls.

Types:

• Ballroom dancing: set partner dances such as the waltz.
• Latin dances: partner dances such as salsa and samba.
• Swing dancing: lively partner dance to swing music.
• Line dancing: dancers stand in rows and repeat the same steps.
• Club dancing: free dancing to popular music in clubs.

What are the types of dance by purpose?

There are four types of dance by purpose: religious or ritual, ceremonial, theatrical and recreational dance.

Religious/ritual dance

Religious or ritual dance is dance performed as part of worship or a sacred ceremony.

• Uses: sacred ceremonies, prayer through movement, healing rituals and worship services.
• Sufi whirling: spinning dance used in worship by Sufi Muslims.
• Native American ceremonies: dances for prayer and healing.
• African spiritual dances: dances to honour deities and ancestors.
• Hindu temple dances: dances offered as worship in temples.

Ceremonial dance

Ceremonial dance is dance performed to mark an important event or celebration.

• Uses: celebrations, rites of passage, national events, cultural festivals and official functions.
• Wedding dances: celebrate a marriage.
• Coronation dances: performed when a king or chief is installed.
• Harvest celebrations: thank the land for a good harvest, as in new yam festivals.
• Victory dances: celebrate a win in war or in a contest.

Theatrical dance

Theatrical dance is dance performed on stage or screen for an audience.

• Uses: stage performances, entertainment shows, musical theatre, dance concerts and commercial productions.
• Broadway shows: musicals in New York that use song, acting and dance.
• Dance companies: trained groups that perform on stage.
• Music videos: dance planned to go with a song.
• Film choreography: dance steps arranged for a film.

Recreational dance

Recreational dance is dance done for fun, fitness and relaxation.

• Uses: exercise and fitness, social enjoyment, stress relief, community building and personal pleasure.
• Aerobic dance: dance moves done to music as exercise.
• Zumba: fitness class based on Latin-style dance steps.
• Dance parties: friends dance together for enjoyment.
• Flash mobs: planned dances by a group in a public place.

What are the Nigerian dance forms?

Nigerian dance forms are the traditional dances of Nigerian peoples, such as the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa-Fulani, and the modern dances of today.

What are the traditional dances of the Nigerian peoples?

What are the modern Nigerian dance forms?

Modern Nigerian dances are the popular street and party dances that go with current Nigerian music.

• Afrobeat dance: dance to Afrobeat music.
• Azonto: fast hand and foot dance that began in Ghana and became popular in Nigeria.
• Alanta: popular street dance.
• Shoki: popular street dance.
• Zanku: dance known for its quick leg work.
• Gbese: popular party dance.
• Shaku Shaku: popular party dance with quick, light steps.

What are the international dance types?

International dance types are dances from other parts of the world that are now danced in many countries.

Latin dances

• Salsa: lively partner dance with quick steps.
• Merengue: simple, fast dance from the Dominican Republic.
• Bachata: romantic partner dance from the Dominican Republic.
• Cha-cha: playful dance from Cuba with quick triple steps.
• Rumba: slow, expressive dance from Cuba.
• Samba: lively dance from Brazil.

Ballroom dances

• Waltz: smooth, gliding dance in three-beat time.
• Tango: dramatic partner dance with sharp, controlled steps.
• Foxtrot: smooth dance with walking steps.
• Quickstep: fast, light version of the foxtrot.
• Viennese Waltz: a very fast waltz with continuous turning.

Street/urban dances

• Hip-hop: dance to hip-hop music, with rhythmic, bouncing moves.
• Breaking (Breakdance): floor moves, spins and freezes.
• Popping: quick tightening of muscles to jerk the body.
• Locking: fast movements that stop suddenly in a “lock”.
• Krumping: very energetic, expressive dance.
• House dance: quick footwork to house music.

Asian dance forms

• Bharatanatyam (India): classical dance with set hand gestures and expressions.
• Kathak (India): classical dance with spins and rhythmic footwork.
• Chinese folk dance: village and festival dances of China.
• Japanese Bon Odori: summer festival dance in Japan.
• Thai classical dance: graceful dance with slow, curved hand movements.
• Korean fan dance: dancers move colourful fans in flowing patterns.

What is the difference between traditional and modern dance forms?

Traditional dance forms grow out of the culture of a community and are passed down over many years.

Modern dance forms stress personal expression and new ideas, and they borrow from many styles.

How do we choose a dance form?

We choose a dance form by matching it to our interests, abilities and means.

1. Personal interest: choose a dance you enjoy.
2. Physical ability: some dances need more strength and flexibility.
3. Cultural connection: you may want to dance the dances of your own people.
4. Available training: check that a teacher or group is near you.
5. Career goals: some careers need a particular style.
6. Social aspects: consider the friends and groups you will join.
7. Time commitment: classes and practice take time.
8. Cost factors: think about fees, costumes and travel.

How have dance forms evolved?

Dance forms have changed over time as societies and technology have changed.

• Traditional to modern: new styles grow out of older ones.
• Local to global: radio, film and the internet spread dances across countries.
• Sacred to secular: some dances once for worship are now performed for entertainment.
• Elite to popular: ballet began in royal courts and is now danced by many people.

How can dance heritage be preserved?

Dance heritage is preserved by recording, teaching and performing traditional dances.

• Documentation: keep records of the steps, music and meaning.
• Teaching programmes: teach dances in schools and clubs.
• Cultural centres: places that keep, show and teach the arts.
• Performance groups: troupes that perform traditional dances often.
• Video recording: film dances so that others can learn them.
• Written notation: write down steps with symbols or descriptions.
• Oral tradition: elders pass dances on by word and demonstration.
• Community events: festivals and ceremonies keep dances alive.

How do we analyse a dance form?

To analyse a dance form, we study its movements, music, setting and history.

• Movement vocabulary: the steps and gestures used.
• Musical accompaniment: the instruments, songs or drum rhythms.
• Cultural context: the people and occasion it belongs to.
• Costume and props: the dress, masks and objects used.
• Performance space: village square, stage, hall or street.
• Audience relationship: whether the audience watches or joins in.
• Training methods: how dancers learn the dance.
• Historical development: how the dance began and changed.

What are the modern trends in dance?

Modern trends in dance are fusion and innovation, where dancers mix styles and try new ideas.

• Blending traditions: steps from different cultures are joined in one dance.
• Creating new styles: dancers invent new dances, such as those that go viral online.
• Technology integration: dancers use video, lighting and social media.
• Cross-cultural exchange: dancers learn from other countries.
• Contemporary themes: dances deal with present-day issues.
• Inclusive practices: people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are welcome to dance.

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.