Nigerian Traditional Dance Steps
Are you still asking search engines for Nigerian traditional dance steps? Well, I know how frustrating it is to search for something without getting what you want, but do not worry because I have written this guide on Nigerian traditional dance steps just for you.
Every region of the world has its own culture, which includes dance steps, but since the world has evolved through time to modern life, most people have already forgotten their way of life. This is one of the reasons why most people ask about the Nigerian traditional dance steps.
So, in this article, I have discussed Nigerian traditional dance steps, top traditional dances from Nigeria, and everything regarding the Nigerian dance steps.
Nigerian Traditional Dance Steps
Nigeria is a country that is best known for its cultural activities displayed by different ethnic groups in Nigeria. Although the number of ethnic groups in Nigeria is not certain, they are estimated to be about 300. Each of these ethnic groups in Nigeria has its dance steps, and some of these ethnic groups have up to 5 different dance steps. Nigeria dance steps are often called cultural dance.
Although there are over hundreds of cultural dances in Nigeria, I will only be addressing the top traditional dances from Nigeria later on in this guide –
Top Traditional Dances From Nigeria
Some Nigerians are confused each time they hear top traditional dances from Nigeria. Below are the top traditional dances from Nigeria you should know –
The Ekombi Dance
The Ekombi dance is a cultural dance that originated from the Efik ethnic group. It is still performed by the Calabar people, Cross River State. They claim that the dance steps of the Ekombi dance were derived from the movement of the ocean.
The hands and the legs matter when trying to dance Ekombi. The Ekombi dance shows the beauty and displays femininity.
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The Adamma Masquerade Dance
The Adamma masquerade dance is a dance with masqued female attire worn by any gender but squirms its body like a man. While this particular dance step in Nigeria is said to be feminine, most Igbo men also masqued themselves to perform the Adamma masquerade dance.
Most masquerades in the Igbo-land are said to have a particular spirit controlling them.
The Ukwata Dance
The Ukwata dance is mainly seen during the Ukwata festival. This festival is held by the Abbi people of Delta State, Nigeria.
The Ukwata dance is somewhat religious; it displays a dance and ritual to worship particular deities. From the beginning of the festival till the end, women of the Abbi tribe make bonfires. The Abbi people believe that the bonfires made by their women keep evil spirits at bay. Before the end of the festival, the Ukele, Igba, and Egwu dancers dress in assumed ‘marine colours’ and put on costumes representing aquatic animals.
The Ohogho Dance
The existence of the Ohogho dance came from the Benin culture. It belongs to some strong and healthy people.
The Ohogho is considered religious; the aim is to wipe off evils and create a part of major religious activities.
The dancer wears a waist gown and dances in circles with bells in their It hands.
The Nkwa umu-Agbogho Dance
This dance is also known as the Maiden dance. It is performed by young maidens who are worthy of getting married.
It aims to help young girls keep themselves focused and abstain as much as possible from sexual acts before marriage.
Although the dance is seductive, they still try to keep themselves focused. The ladies flaunt their bodies in seductive ways to attract suitors who watch when they perform. The Nkwa Umuagbogho dance is native to the Igbo region of Nigeria. It sometimes serves as entertainment, especially during traditional wedding ceremonies.
The Koroso Dance
The Koroso dance is one of the traditional dances that combine various traditional dances of the Fulani and Hausa people. It is performed by the Fulani and Hausa people of Kano State.
The name ‘Koroso’, was generated from the rattle tied around the dancers’ legs.
The Bata Dance
The Bata dance is a common dance step in the western region of Nigeria, which is the Yoruba tribe. The dance is associated with the Sango – the God of Thunder. It is believed that Sango is Athletic, acrobatic, and muscular. The bata dance is not considered complete if the music is not played with the bata drums known as ilu bata.
The Ikpirikpi-ogu
The Ikpirikpi-Ogu dance is a war dance usually displayed to welcome soldiers who return alive from a tribal war. It is recorded that in the Igbo land, different traditional believers, communities, and societies used to engage themselves in war with neighbouring communities. Therefore the Ikpirikpi-ogu – war dance was created to welcome soldiers back from tribal wars.
However, in today’s world, the Ikpirikpi-ogu is a dance to show the victory of a community over tribal challenges.
The Gese Dance
This cultural dance type is a religious one that originated in Yoruba land. Ifetedo and Okeigbo towns in Southwest Nigeria are the specific sources. It is sung in rhythm produced from drums, and only trained dancers can perform the Gese dance effectively and display the Yoruba people’s religion.
This dance step is used to praise the different gods of Yoruba, and each of the gods has its drum beat.
The Swange Dance
The Swange dance is an urban dance performed by the men and women of Tiv. The Swange dance combines the Tiv and Hausa musical instruments to produce highlife rhythms. The dancers mostly wear white dresses combined with black colour.
Conclusion
Most Nigerian cultural dances are associated with religions, beliefs, and traditions according to the citizens of Nigeria. It is believed that you can not know deeply about these dances unless you join the dancers. In that case, you may want to learn more about the associations before considering joining one. Meanwhile, you can just enjoy dancing to the tunes or making the steps a part of your dance routine.
Nigerian traditional dance steps are about culture, heritage, and worship.