By Sani Adamu
The Wikipedia defines dance as the art of movement of the body, usually rhythmically and to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.
Analysts observe that dance is performed in many cultures as a form of emotional expression, social interaction, or exercise, in a spiritual or performance setting which is sometimes used to express ideas or tell a story.
Sociologists also describe dance as a form of non-verbal communication between humans or other animals.
They note that the definitions of what constitutes dance, to large extent, depends on social and cultural norms and aesthetic, artistic and moral sensibilities.
According to them, martial arts and some sports such as gymnastics, figure skating and synchronised swimming are parts of dance.
They explain that there are many styles and genres of dance, noting that while African dance is interpretative, ballet, ballroom and tango are classical dance styles.
“Square dance and electric slide are forms of step dance, while break dancing is a type of street dance.
“Dance can be participatory, social, or performed for an audience. It can also be ceremonial, competitive or erotic,’’ they observe.
Observers note that although it is difficult to effectively trace the origin of dance, archeologists have traced its origin to as far back as the 9,000-year-old Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka paintings in India and Egyptian tomb paintings.
They observe further that one of the earliest structured uses of dances may have been in the performance and in the telling of myths.
They maintain that before the advent of written languages, dance was one of the methods of passing these stories down from generation to generation.
Unarguably, dance has over the years been used as an instrument of fostering national unity and integration through cultural festivals in Nigeria.
Sociologists posit that dance in Nigeria has proved to be a potent art that can strengthen national cohesion, harmony and unity.
According to them, Nigerian musicians such as King Sunny Ade, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, among others, have also explored the potential of dance to foster cultural unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
It is against this backdrop that sociologists emphasise the need for appropriate authorities to encourage the use of dance as a potent tool for boosting cultural understanding and unity in the country.
Mr Adedayo Liadi, the Chief Executive Officer, Ijodee Dance Centre in Abuja, supports this view, urging the Federal Government to further strengthen Nigeria’s unity by paying attention to relevant instruments that can promote dance, particularly among the youth.
“We use dance for a common goal, which is unity and peace, and exchange of arts; it is unfortunate that the government is not thinking along that line.
“If it remains like that, how do we make a living out of it like other fields,’’ he said.
Expressing concern over the neglect of dance in the socio-cultural development of the country, the entertainer regretted that dancers had been “molested, disgraced, mocked, and ridiculed for years in the country’’.
He noted that it was the same dance act that the Americans used to pacify enraged youth slaves during slave trade.
Corroborating this viewpoint, an analyst said: “The way in which music and dance were used can be traced back to the slave ships themselves.
“Africans were forced to dance on deck for exercise. Many took advantage of this to bond and communicate with their shipmates by dancing steps remembered from their past in Africa.’’
“Therefore, the sooner we fashion out how to bring youth restiveness to a halt, the better for us; and it is through all the arts,” Liadi said.
He said that most youths were interested in the dance act if they had encouragement, describing it as a good employer of labour.
“When dancers have the opportunities to leave the shores of the country, they never come back; it pays abroad to dance and they earn enough.
“We need structures and funds from government for the dance act to improve and to give youths the opportunities to be engaged in something they like.
“It would also bring down youth agitation when they are engaged through dance competitions, lectures, seminars and workshops,’’ Liadi said.
Underscoring its potency for advancing national unity, some residents of the Federal Capital Territory believe that dance should be used as a veritable tool for social integration.
They observe that, if well harnessed, dance can foster unity and social integration among people of different divides.
Kingsley Eze, a disc jockey and event manager in Lugbe, FCT, said “dance unites people, especially in a multi-cultural environment like Nigeria.
“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.
In her view, Miss Daniela Martins, a professional dancer in Abuja, said she liked to learn dance styles from other parts of the country and this had made her to appreciate people and their culture.
“As an Ibibio lady, if I go to the Idoma in Benue and I 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 observed.
She, therefore, called for dancing events such as dance festivals and dance competitions.
Another resident of Abuja, Cynthia Amuchie, a dance instructor, said: “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 and draws people together.
Social analysts, therefore, stress the need to improve on the structure, presentation of styles of indigenous dances in Nigeria.
They also stress the need for the government at all levels to encourage dance experts to carry out more intensive research to boost the quality of indigenous dances.
Analysts, therefore, suggest that interested Nigerians should take part in music and dancing as a tool for promoting national unity, insisting that dances have particular meanings and they convey specific ideas.(NANFeatures)