What are Traditional and rhythmic dance activities

Foreign Dances

Foreign dances are the imitations of the dance rhythms from other countries are mostly played for social dances by the younger generation. These music include reggae, pop, jazz, highlife, rock and roll, calypso, rumba.

Traditional Music/Dance

Traditional music/dance are of folks and ethnic origin, ethnic dances have a race cultural bound which tie them to a race or tribe.

Ethnic dances may be based upon

(i) religious beliefs

(ii) cultural development

(iii) racial heroes

(iv) gods or other ideas

Examples of Ethnic Dances

Examples of ethnic dances include

1. Ekiti dance
2. Obitun dance
3. Eyo dance
4. Oyoyo dance
5. Fuji dance
6. Sango dance
7. Gunda dance etc.

Some Notable Nigerian Musicians

1. King Sunny Ade
2. Chief Ebenezer Obey
3. Sir Victor Uwaifo
4. Sunny Okosun( Late)
5. Fela Anikulapo Kuti
6. Lagbaja
7. Yinka Ayefele, etc

Reasons for Traditional Dance

1. For religions purpose e.g. during festival
2. For communal entertainment and enjoyment
3. For celebration of events e.g. new yam festival , marriages etc
4. For physical fitness
5. For the performance of traditional rite

Values of Dance/Rhythmic Activities

Apart from the relaxation and the feeding of the soul, good music and active dancing contribute to mental and emotional development of an individual.

1. It contributes to self-expression
2. Development of physical strength, agility, flexibility and coordination
3. Social integration