ABUJA – Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have identify dance as a strong unifying factor and a veritable tool for social integration, if properly harnessed.
The residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, said that dance would foster unity and social integration among people of different divides.
Mr Kingsley Eze, a DJ and event manager in Lugbe, said that dance unites people, especially in a multi-cultural environment like Nigeria.
“Dance is a unifying factor.
“From my own experience when I was growing up and a student in the University, your good dancing skills have a way of endearing you to many people without any discrimination.
“Today, in Nigeria, no dance step can actually be tied down to any particular ethnic group, as someone can easily copy the dance steps of those from different cultural setting.
“For example, you can easily see a Hausa man dancing “etigi”, a dance style of the Calabar people.
Miss Daniela Martins, a professional dancer, who resides in Utako, who is from the southern part of the country, said liked learning dance styles from other parts of the country and this had made her to appreciate people and their cultures.
“As an Ibibio lady, if I go to Idoma land in Benue state and I will perform their dance steps very well, to an extent they will be happy with me and accept me the more for knowing their dance styles.”
She therefore called for dancing events such as Dance Festivals, Dance competitions.
Another resident, Miss Cynthia Amuchie, a dance instructor, said that whenever a dance step was appreciated, the individual was also appreciated and this promotes social acceptance.
“Dance is simply the movement of the body in consonant with a particular beat.
“When you appreciate the beat and dance from another culture, it endears you to that particular culture.
“So, dance is boundless, it draws people together.
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“When people dance together, they subconsciously bond closer. “
Amuchie said that cross cultural dances, especially could bring about strong social understanding and acceptance among people of different cultural and regional background. (NAN)
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