Prospects of Studying Dance in Nigeria – JSS3 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

The prospects of studying dance in Nigeria include preserving cultural traditions, keeping fit and healthy, building a career, studying dance at higher levels, and gaining international recognition.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain what dance is and why it matters in Nigerian culture;
2. state the benefits of studying dance;
3. list career opportunities in dance;
4. name areas of dance that can be studied in Nigerian universities and colleges;
5. mention some Nigerian dances that are recognised internationally.

What is dance?

Dance is the rhythmic movement of the body, usually to music, to express ideas, emotions or a story.

• Rhythm: the movements follow a beat, often from drums or songs.
• Expression: dancers show joy, sorrow, praise, respect or war through movement.
• Storytelling: many Nigerian dances tell about a people’s history, beliefs or work.
• Ethnic identity: every ethnic group in Nigeria has its own dances.

What does studying dance involve?

Studying dance means learning more than steps.

• Movements: learning the steps, posture and body control of each dance.
• Cultural meaning: understanding what a dance stands for and when it is performed.
• History: finding out where a dance came from and how it has changed.
• Styles: comparing traditional and modern forms of dance.

When is dance used in Nigerian culture?

Dance is used at festivals, ceremonies and other social events in every part of Nigeria.

• Festivals: new yam, harvest and masquerade festivals.
• Ceremonies: weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals and chieftaincy installations.
• Worship: traditional religious rites and praise to deities.
• Entertainment: stage shows, concerts, films and music videos.

What are the prospects of studying dance in Nigeria?

There are five main prospects: cultural preservation, physical fitness, career opportunities, education and research, and international recognition.

1. Cultural preservation

Studying dance helps keep Nigerian cultural traditions alive.

• Students learn the traditional dances of different ethnic groups.
• They understand the meaning of each dance.
• They pass the dances on to younger people.
• This stops the dances from being forgotten.

2. Physical fitness and health

Dance is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy.

• Flexibility: stretching and turning make the body supple.
• Strength: jumping and holding poses build the muscles.
• Coordination: dancers learn to move the body in time with music.
• Heart health: energetic dancing exercises the heart.
• Healthy weight: regular practice helps people keep a good weight.

3. Career opportunities

Dance can be a career, and not only a form of fun.

• Professional dancer: performs in music videos, stage shows or movies.
• Choreographer: creates dance routines for performances or events.
• Dance instructor: teaches dance in schools, dance academies or workshops.
• Cultural ambassador: promotes Nigerian culture through dance, at home and abroad.
• Event manager: organises cultural and entertainment events that include dance.

4. Education and research

Dance can be studied at higher levels in universities and colleges.

Many Nigerian institutions offer courses in dance, where students can specialise in these areas:

• Traditional Nigerian dance: the dances handed down by ethnic groups, with their meanings.
• Contemporary dance: a modern style that mixes different kinds of movement and new ideas.
• Dance therapy: the use of movement to support health and emotional well-being.
• Dance history and education: the study and teaching of how dance began and developed.

These courses prepare students for careers in education, research and cultural preservation. Graduates can also help to record and protect Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

How do traditional and contemporary dance differ?

Traditional dance belongs to a particular community and carries its customs. Contemporary dance is a modern style that allows new movements and personal creativity.

5. International recognition

Nigerian dances are performed and admired beyond Nigeria.

• Nigerian dancers can perform on international stages.
• They promote Nigerian culture around the world.
• Good choreography and performance can bring wider recognition.

Evaluation

1. What is dance?
2. State three benefits of studying dance in Nigeria.
3. List five career opportunities in dance.
4. Name three areas of dance that students can specialise in at higher levels.
5. Mention three Nigerian dances that are recognised globally.

Assignment

Choose any two career opportunities in dance. Describe what each one involves and explain why it is useful to Nigerian culture.