Pre-colonial or Folk Dance refers to the traditional dances that were practiced by different ethnic groups in Nigeria before the coming of European colonial rulers.

1. They come from the people’s culture – Every tribe had their own unique way of dancing.


2. They follow the rhythm of local drums and songs – The dancers move their bodies to match the sound of traditional instruments.


3. They are usually done in groups – People danced together in circles, lines, or pairs.


4. They have meaning – Every dance had a reason — to thank the gods, to celebrate harvest, or to welcome a visitor.


5. They use traditional clothing and body paint – Dancers often wore beads, wrappers, feathers, or painted their faces to show beauty and tradition.


6. They were learned by watching – No dance schools were needed; children learned by watching adults and copying them.

• Atilogwu (Igbo) – A powerful, fast dance with jumping and flips, done by young people during festivals.


• Bata (Yoruba) – A dance with fast foot movement, often done to honour the god Sango, using talking drums.


• Sharo (Fulani) – A dance linked with a traditional test of bravery, where boys prove their manhood.


• Swange (Tiv) – A smooth waist-moving dance usually done during celebrations.


• Koroso (Hausa) – A colorful dance with twirling and spinning, full of energy and joy.


• Ekombi (Efik/Ibibio) – A graceful dance mostly done by women, with slow and pretty movements.


• Agidigbo (Yoruba) – A calm, stylish dance performed to a wooden box-like instrument called agidigbo.


• Ogene (Igbo) – A community dance done to the beat of the ogene (gong), often during events or storytelling.

1. To worship their gods – Certain dances were done in shrines to honour or thank a god.


2. To celebrate – Births, weddings, and festivals were always full of music and dance.


3. To prepare for or celebrate war – Warriors danced to gain courage before going to battle or to celebrate victory.


4. To tell stories – Before books, dance was a way of sharing legends and history.


5. To mark life events – Like when a child is born, or when someone passes from childhood to adulthood.


6. To entertain and have fun – Dance was a way to bring joy and laughter to the community.


7. To teach lessons – Some dances had messages about bravery, honesty, or respect.


8. To show who they are – Dance helped each tribe proudly show their culture.

• Traditional wrappers


• Beads and bangles


• Raffia skirts


• Animal skins


• Cowries


• Anklets and bells


• Painted faces and bodies

• Drums – like the bata, talking drum, or dundun.


• Gongs – like the ogene (metal gong).


• Flutes – made from wood or bamboo.


• Shekere – a gourd covered in beads that rattles.


• Agidigbo – a local wooden xylophone played with fingers.

1. It helps us remember and protect our culture.


2. It teaches young people discipline and respect for tradition.


3. It brings people together — old and young, men and women, rich and poor.


4. It keeps us healthy because dancing is great physical exercise.


5. It makes us proud of who we are and where we come from.


6. It attracts tourists and creates jobs for dancers, drummers, and costume makers.


7. It helps to relieve stress and bring joy to communities.