Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Junior Secondary 3
Recreation, Leisure and Dance Activities
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Recreation, Leisure and Dance Activities
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Junior Secondary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Theme: Moving Our Body Parts
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differentiate between folk traditional, social and modern dances; practice the various dances; list costumes for the various dances; identify the values of computer games; explain other computer games such as Tennis, cricket and scrabble.
Recreation: Activities done for enjoyment when one is not working. These are often active and can include sports, hobbies, games, or cultural pursuits. The primary aim is revitalization and pleasure.
Examples in Nigeria: Playing football, attending festivals, engaging in traditional games like 'ayo' or 'draft', dancing, storytelling, visiting tourist sites.
Leisure: This refers to the free time available to individuals after fulfilling necessary obligations like work, school, or domestic duties. It is the time during which recreational activities can be pursued.
Distinction: Leisure is the time, while recreation is the activity performed during that time. For instance, a student's leisure time might be after school and homework, and during that time, they might choose recreation like playing a game or reading a novel.
Definition: These are dances that originate from a specific region, ethnic group, or community, passed down through generations. They often reflect the cultural identity, history, rituals, and daily life of the people. They are deeply rooted in tradition and are often performed during specific ceremonies, festivals, or social gatherings.
Characteristics: Cultural Significance: Tell stories, celebrate harvests, mark rites of passage, communicate with deities, or prepare for war.
Specific Movements: Highly stylized and often symbolic, specific to the ethnic group.
Traditional Attire: Dancers wear specific costumes, ornaments, and body paint that signify their cultural heritage and the purpose of the dance.
Accompaniment: Usually accompanied by traditional musical instruments like drums (talking drums, bata, igba), gongs (ogene), flutes, xylophones, and vocal chants. Nigerian
Examples: Bata Dance (Yoruba): Sacred dance dedicated to Sango (god of thunder and lightning). Characterized by intricate footwork, acrobatic movements, and rapid drumming.
Atilogwu Dance (Igbo): Energetic and acrobatic dance, usually performed by young men and women. Involves high jumps, intricate body movements, and vibrant costumes. Often performed at festivals.
Koroso Dance (Hausa): A celebratory dance, often performed by young maidens, characterized by graceful arm movements, rhythmic swaying, and subtle footwork, often in a circular formation. Efik/Ibibio Dances (e.g., Ekombi, Nkwa-Uka): Often feature elaborate costumes, intricate steps, and focus on storytelling or celebrations. Ekombi is a maiden's dance, graceful and fluid.
Tiv Swange Dance: A popular social dance among the Tiv people, characterized by pairs dancing, rhythmic stepping, and often involves a master drummer.
Definition: Dances performed primarily for social interaction, enjoyment, and entertainment in informal settings like parties, clubs, or social gatherings. They are generally less formal and have simpler steps, making them accessible to a wider range of people.
Characteristics: Interaction: Designed for interaction among dancers, often in pairs or groups.
Accessibility: Relatively easy to learn and don't require extensive training.
Popularity Driven: Often become popular through media (music videos, social media) and trends.
Evolving: Constantly change and new dances emerge with new music genres.
Examples: Reggae Dance: Originated from Jamaica, influenced by reggae music. Characterized by relaxed, swaying movements, often focusing on the hips and torso, reflecting the music's laid-back rhythm.
Makossa: Popular West African dance style from Cameroon, characterized by rhythmic shoulder shimmies, hip movements, and often a partner dance.
Salsa: Latin American dance, energetic, involves intricate footwork, turns, and partner interactions.
Contemporary Nigerian Party Dances: Examples include 'Shaku Shaku', 'Zanku', 'Buga', 'Tshwala Bam' – these are trend-driven, often involve catchy, repetitive steps, and are performed solo or in groups. Ballroom Dances (e.g., Waltz, Foxtrot): Though less common in typical Nigerian social settings, these are structured partner dances performed in formal settings.
Definition: Contemporary dance forms that often incorporate elements from various dance styles (ballet, jazz, African, street dance) but are characterized by innovation, expressive freedom, and often developed for stage performance or artistic expression. They are often choreographed and require a high level of skill and technique.
Characteristics: Creativity and Expression: Focus on individual expression and innovative movement.
Technical Skill: Often requires significant training and technical proficiency.
Choreography: Typically choreographed for performance, often telling a story or conveying a theme.
Fusion: Blends elements from various dance genres.
Examples: Hip-Hop Dance: Originated from hip-hop culture, includes breaking, popping, locking, krumping. Characterized by energetic, acrobatic, and rhythmic movements.
Ballet: Classical dance form known for its precise, graceful, and often ethereal movements, requiring years of rigorous training.
Contemporary Dance: A broad genre that blends elements of classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz. Emphasizes fluidity, expressiveness, and improvisation.
Street Dance: Umbrella term for dances developed in social spaces like streets, dance parties, and clubs. Hip-hop is a prominent form of street dance.
This topic connects directly to several aspects of Nigerian life and development.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Traditional dances are living embodiments of Nigeria's diverse cultures. Through participation and understanding, students become custodians of these invaluable heritage forms. Dance festivals (e.g., Eyo Festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, Calabar Carnival) showcase these traditions, attracting tourists and fostering cultural pride and unity. This knowledge allows students to appreciate and participate meaningfully in their community's cultural events. Health, Fitness, and Well-being: Both dance and active recreation (including some computer games that involve physical interaction) serve as excellent forms of exercise. Dance, in particular, improves cardiovascular health, flexibility, strength, and coordination. Understanding these benefits encourages students to adopt active lifestyles, combating sedentary habits and promoting physical and mental well-being, which is crucial for a healthy and productive Nigerian populace. Economic Opportunities and Skill Development: The burgeoning entertainment industry in Nigeria (Nollywood, music industry) provides professional opportunities for dancers and choreographers. E-sports (competitive computer gaming) is also growing globally and in Nigeria, opening avenues for professional gamers and related technical support roles.
Furthermore, understanding the mechanics of computer games can inspire students towards careers in game design, programming, or digital arts, contributing to Nigeria's digital economy. ---