Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 1
Nigerian dance styles
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Nigerian dance styles
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Music
Class: Senior Secondary 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Theme: Musical Practice And Performance C : Dance I
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Students should be able to acquire skills and exercises for loosening the I bodv. analyze the basics of dance.
Posture, gesture, facial expressions, body isolations (moving one part while others remain still), whole-body movements.
2. Space: Definition: The area the dancer occupies and moves through. It involves various dimensions and directions.
Elements of Space: Level: High (jumping, lifting), Medium (standing, walking), Low (crouching, sitting).
Example: In a masquerade dance, a dancer might leap high (high level) or crawl on the ground (low level) to signify different spirits.
Direction: Forward, backward, sideways, diagonal.
Example: Dancers in a Koroso (Hausa) performance often move in circular patterns, utilizing various directions within the performance space.
Pathway: The pattern created by movement on the floor (straight, curved, zig-zag).
Example: Processional dances often follow a clear, often circular or linear pathway.
Size: How large or small the movement is.
Example: A wide, expansive gesture versus a small, intricate hand movement.
Focus: Where the dancer's gaze or attention is directed.
Example: A dancer might focus intently on the drum during an Egwu Imo (Igbo) performance.
Relationship: How dancers interact with each other and objects in space (e.g., leading/following, near/far, above/below).
Example: Call-and-response patterns in a Yoruba festival dance where one dancer initiates a movement and others respond.
3. Time: Definition: The temporal aspects of movement; when and how quickly or slowly movement occurs.
Elements of Time: Tempo: Speed of movement (fast, slow, moderate).
Example: The rapid tempo of Atilogwu versus the stately tempo of some Hausa court dances.
Rhythm: The pattern of movement or sounds.
Example: The complex polyrhythms created by drums often dictate the rhythmic patterns of a dancer's steps and body movements in many Nigerian dances like Bata.
Duration: How long a movement or sequence lasts.
Example: Holding a pose for an extended period versus a quick, fleeting gesture.
Accent: Emphasis on a particular beat or movement.
Example: A sharp, percussive stomp at a specific point in a dance to emphasize a drum beat.
Stillness: Moments of pause or sustained hold.
Example: A dramatic pause before resuming a vigorous movement in an Edo traditional dance.
4. Energy/Force: Definition: The quality of movement; how the movement is executed. It describes the physical commitment and emotional intensity applied to movement.
Qualities of Energy: Strong/Light: Powerful, forceful movements vs. delicate, airy movements.
Sharp/Smooth: Abrupt, sudden movements vs. flowing, sustained movements.
Sustained/Percussive: Continuous, ongoing motion vs. explosive, sudden bursts.
Bound/Free Flow: Controlled, restricted movement vs. loose, unrestrained movement.
Nigerian Context: The energy in Nigerian dances is highly varied. Igbo war dances (e.g., Mmanwu) often exhibit strong, percussive, and bound energy, while certain Kalabari dances might feature light, smooth, and free-flowing energy.
Example: The vigorous pounding of feet in a Ugo dance (Igbo) shows strong, percussive energy, symbolizing strength and vitality. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the core concepts related to body loosening for dance and the fundamental elements that define dance as an art form.
A. Definition of Dance: Dance is a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement. In the Nigerian context, dance is often an integral part of social, religious, and ceremonial life, conveying emotions, stories, and cultural values through structured movement, rhythm, and gesture.
B. Skills and Exercises for Loosening the Body (Warm-up): Before any physical activity, especially dance, warming up is crucial. It prepares the body physiologically and psychologically, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance. Loosening exercises aim to increase blood flow, gently stretch muscles, and improve joint mobility.
1. Importance of Warm-up: Injury Prevention: Prepares muscles, tendons, and ligaments for strenuous activity, preventing strains and tears.
Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Gradually lengthens muscles, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
Improved Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery: Warms up the body, increasing circulation to muscles.
Enhanced Performance: Prepares the nervous system, improving coordination, balance, and reaction time.
Mental Preparation: Helps focus the mind and transition into a performance mindset.
2. Types of Body Loosening Exercises (Practical Examples): These exercises should be performed gently and progressively, starting from the head and moving downwards, or vice-versa.
Joint Rotations: Head Rolls/Tilts: Gently tilt head side-to-side, then forward and back. Slow, controlled circles (avoid full circles if neck sensitivity is an issue).
Example: "Okada rider looking left and right for traffic." Shoulder Rolls: Roll shoulders forward in circles, then backward.
Example: "Shrugging off worries before a big performance." Arm Swings: Swing arms forward and backward, then across the body.
Example: "Greeting friends with open arms at a community gathering." Wrist and Ankle Rotations: Rotate wrists and ankles clockwise and anti-clockwise.
Example: "Stirring a pot of egusi soup gently, or testing the ground before a step." Hip Swings/Circles: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, gently swing hips side-to-side and make slow circles.
Example: "The fluid movement of a market woman carrying a heavy load on her head, balancing." Knee Bends/Rotations: Gentle knee bends (half squats) and small rotations.
Example: "Preparing to 'gbanjo' (squat) to pick up kola nuts." Dynamic Stretches (Movement-based stretches): Torso Twists: Stand with feet apart, gently twist upper body from side to side.
Example: "Turning to acknowledge elders on both sides of a gathering." Leg Swings: Holding onto support, swing one leg forward and backward, then side to side.
Example: "Practicing the high kicks for an Atilogwu dance." Cat-Cow Stretch (on all fours): Arch the back and then round it.
Example: "Mimicking the flexibility of a sleeping house cat, preparing for agile movements." Light Cardiovascular Activity: Marching in Place: Gentle marching, gradually lifting knees higher.
Light Jogging (on the spot): A few minutes of gentle jogging to elevate heart rate.
C. Basics of Dance (Elements of Dance): These are the fundamental components or building blocks from which all dances are created. Understanding them helps in analyzing, creating, and performing dance.
1. Body: Definition: The instrument of dance; what the dancer uses to move. This includes the entire body, specific body parts (e.g., hips, chest, feet), body shapes (curved, angular), balance, and alignment.
Nigerian Context: Many Nigerian dances emphasize specific body parts. For example, the Ibibio Ekombi dance highlights graceful torso and arm movements, while the Igbo Atilogwu dance showcases intricate footwork, high kicks, and powerful body articulations. The Yoruba Bata dance uses complex shoulder and hip isolations.
Considerations: Posture, gesture, facial expressions, body isolations (moving one part while others remain still), whole-body movements.
2. Space: Definition: The area the dancer occupies and moves through. It involves various dimensions and directions.
Elements of Space: Level: High (jumping, lifting), Medium (standing, walking), Low (crouching, sitting).
Example: In a masquerade dance, a dancer might leap high (high level) or crawl on the ground (low level) to signify different spirits.
Direction: Forward, backward, sideways, diagonal.
Example: Dancers in a Koroso (Hausa) performance often move in circular patterns, utilizing various directions Phase 1: Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Introduces the topic "Nigerian Dance Styles" and its cultural significance.
Initiates a brief discussion: "What comes to mind when you think of Nigerian dances?" "Why do people dance in Nigeria?" Explains the importance of physical preparation (warm-up) before any dance.
Student Activity: Share their initial thoughts and experiences with Nigerian dance. Listen attentively to the introduction and importance of warm-ups.
Phase 2: Body Loosening Exercises (Practical - Objective 1 Focus) (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Demonstrates and verbally guides students through a series of warm-up and body loosening exercises. Emphasizes proper posture, controlled movements, and breathing. Corrects students' form as needed, providing individual feedback. Encourages students to listen to their bodies and not overstretch. Sequence
Example:* Gentle head tilts and rolls (5 reps each direction). Shoulder shrugs and rolls (forward and backward, 5 reps each). Arm swings (forward/backward, side-to-side, 5 reps each). Torso twists (gentle, 5 reps each side). Hip circles (clockwise/anti-clockwise, 5 reps each). Knee bends (small, controlled, 5 reps). Ankle rotations (clockwise/anti-clockwise, 5 reps each leg). Light marching in place (1 minute). Gentle dynamic stretches (e.g., leg swings, controlled forward bends).
Student Activity: Actively participate by mimicking the teacher's movements. Focus on executing the exercises with correct form and control. Ask questions if unsure about any movement. Freely move various body parts as directed, ensuring particular areas are exercised properly.
Phase 3: Analysis of Dance Basics (Conceptual and Practical - Objective 2 Focus) (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Introduces the concept of "Elements of Dance" (Body, Space, Time, Energy). Explains each element in detail using clear language and provides relevant Nigerian dance examples. Uses visual aids (diagrams, short video clips of Nigerian dances if available) to illustrate the elements.
Practical Application: Leads students in short movement improvisations or analysis: "Show me a movement using only your hands." (Body) "Move across the room at a low level, then at a high level." (Space - Level) "Perform a fast, jerky movement, then a slow, flowing movement." (Time - Tempo; Energy - Percussive/Sustained) Facilitates a class discussion on how these elements are visible in common Nigerian dance styles (e.g., how the Bata dancer uses 'body' isolations, how 'space' is utilized in a ceremonial procession, how 'time' is dictated by drumming in an Efik dance).
Student Activity: Listen attentively to explanations of the dance elements. Watch video clips (if any) and identify the elements being demonstrated. Participate in practical movement explorations to understand each element experientially. Contribute to the discussion by providing examples of dance elements from Nigerian dances they are familiar with.
Phase 4: Conclusion and Review (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Recaps the main points of the lesson: importance of warm-up and the four elements of dance. Answers any remaining questions. Assigns homework.
Student Activity: Ask clarifying questions. Note down homework assignments. The teacher guides students through these questions, discussing answers as a class to reinforce understanding.
Question: Identify three essential body parts that should always be warmed up before engaging in any dance activity. Briefly explain a specific exercise for each.
Solution: Neck: Gentle head tilts (side to side) or slow half-rolls (ear to shoulder, chin to chest). This increases flexibility and prevents stiffness.* Shoulders: Shoulder rolls (forward and backward). This mobilizes the shoulder joint and loosens muscles around the neck and upper back.* Hips: Hip circles (clockwise and anti-clockwise). This enhances hip mobility, crucial for many Nigerian dance movements involving pelvic articulation.*
Commentary: Emphasizes comprehensive warm-up from head to toe, crucial for injury prevention in dynamic Nigerian dance forms.
Question: Why is it important for a dancer to understand the concept of "energy" as an element of dance, particularly when performing a traditional Nigerian dance?
Solution: Understanding "energy" allows a dancer to embody the intended feeling, mood, and cultural significance of the dance. For example, a Yoruba ancestral dance (e.g., Egúngún) might require strong, powerful, and bound energy to portray solemnity and spiritual presence, while a Hausa recreational dance (e.g., Asauwara) might demand light, fluid, and free-flowing energy to convey joy and community. Correct energy application makes the performance authentic and impactful.
Commentary: Connects the abstract concept of 'energy' to the emotive and cultural depth of Nigerian dance.
Question: Consider a dancer performing a vigorous Atilogwu dance (Igbo). Describe how the element of "time" is typically utilized in their movements.
Solution: In Atilogwu, "time" is characterized by a predominantly fast tempo with complex polyrhythms dictated by the percussion instruments. Dancers execute quick, sharp, and often syncopated footwork, making rapid changes in movement duration. Accents are frequently placed on specific beats, often through powerful stomps or sudden body isolations, aligning precisely with the drum patterns. Moments of stillness are rare but highly impactful when they occur, creating dramatic contrast.
Commentary: Provides a concrete example of how 'time' manifests in a popular Nigerian dance, highlighting tempo, rhythm, and accents.
Question: Describe a typical Nigerian dance scenario and identify two elements of dance (other than "time" or "energy") that would be prominently displayed.
Solution: Scenario: A Efik Ekombi dance performed by a group of women at a cultural festival.
Element 1: Body. The Ekombi dance heavily emphasizes graceful, undulating movements of the torso and arms, along with intricate hand gestures that tell stories or signify reverence. The dancers maintain an elegant posture and exhibit controlled body isolations, especially in the waist and chest.
Element 2: Space. Dancers often move in circular formations (pathway) around a central point, utilizing medium levels (standing) with occasional graceful bends (brief low level). Their movements are often expansive (size), covering significant ground, and they maintain precise relationships with other dancers, moving in unison or call-and-response patterns.
Commentary: Encourages students to visualize and articulate how different elements are integrated into a specific dance style, emphasizing observation skills.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Understanding and practicing Nigerian dance styles directly contributes to the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions. Students become cultural ambassadors, capable of showcasing and interpreting their heritage at local, national, and even international events (e.g., school cultural day, state festivals, performances for tourists). This knowledge connects them to their roots and fosters national pride.
Health and Wellness: Dance, and particularly the body loosening exercises, is an excellent form of physical activity. It improves cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Students can integrate dance movements and warm-up routines into their daily lives as a fun and engaging way to stay fit, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases common in Nigeria due to sedentary habits. This also serves as an alternative to conventional sports for physical education requirements.
Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship: A deep understanding of Nigerian dance can open doors to various career opportunities. Students could pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers for music videos or stage performances, dance instructors in schools or community centres, cultural researchers, or even lead their own dance troupes. In Nigeria, there is a growing demand for culturally authentic performances for events, tourism, and entertainment, creating entrepreneurial opportunities for skilled dancers and choreographers.