NIGERIA: The indigenous dances of each region represent the traditional culture and current culture of the country to which they belong. In Nigeria, Nupe tribe is mostly found in the Northern part of Nigeria such as Niger state and Kwara state.
Every tribe, culture, or society is described by many things in which it can be recognized. Dance or artistic contribution plays a vital part in a nation’s development.
Greek philosopher Aristotle has described dance as a rhythmic movement “to represent men’s characters as well as what they do and suffer”.
Nigerian dance forms
Dancing is one of the most liberating way to express human feelings. Scholars define dance as a process of performing a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music.
In Nigeria, there are two traditional dances performed by the Nupe tribe:
1. Tsakan dance
2. Angale dance
Tsakan dance is similar to ‘twerking’. It is a dance form in which a person twerk their waist using thrusting movements on the bottom and hips while in a low, squatting stance. The dance is usually termed as “provocative”.
In the Nupe culture, Tsakan dance takes place during a traditional wedding or an official gathering.
The dance is usually performed by young maidens where they wear tight rapers on their waist to make the dancers feel comfortable in their performance.
Angale dance is a cultural or traditional dance step that consists of band beating and dancing. Young women are seen dancing in their traditional attire.
Importance of cultural events
Dancing is an important part in the Nupe culture. From celebrating a victory in the battlefield to celebrating a wedding function, dance has a special place in the Nupe culture.
Dance is a way of communicating and expressing ideas and emotions, as well as a way of exercising and enjoying life. It helps in exposing the culture and tradition of a country to the younger generation.
Along with this, it provides a forum for social interaction and means of expressing national, cultural loyalty, and power.
Dance is used in uniting people or communities as it paves way for community development and progress.
Origin of traditional dancing
The birth of cultural or folk dance in Nigeria dates back to the 1900s. Folk dance in Nigeria is associated with celebrating agricultural harvest or social gatherings like weddings.
The reason behind many cultures or societies organizing cultural events today in their communities is to help in bringing their culture to the limelight.
Nigeria is a bloodbath with issues of communal religion, and harder clashes among other issues.
Unity and togetherness can achieved by dancing that will encourage constant organizing of intercultural dance among different tribes.
Also Read: Nupe Language Under Threat: Focus on Culture-Based Curriculum Needed
