Dance is a form of art that involves moving the body in rhythm, usually to music. It is used for expression, celebration, worship, and entertainment.

In traditional African societies, dance is a way to tell stories, show emotions, or mark special occasions like festivals or weddings.

1. Traditional or Cultural Dance – These are dances passed down from generation to generation within a community or ethnic group. E.g., Bata dance (Yoruba), Atilogwu (Igbo), Swange (Tiv), Ekombi (Efik).


2. Religious Dance – Performed during worship or spiritual ceremonies to honour a deity or during festivals. E.g., Sango dance for the Yoruba god of thunder.


3. Social Dance – Danced during celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or naming ceremonies. E.g., Calypso, Highlife dance.


4. War Dance – Danced before or after battle to prepare or celebrate victory. E.g., Agidigbo or the Fulani war dance.


5. Recreational Dance – Performed mainly for fun, enjoyment, or exercise, especially by the youth.


6. Modern or Contemporary Dance – New styles influenced by foreign cultures or music trends. E.g., Hip-hop, Breakdance, Ballet.

1. Entertainment – Dance makes people happy and adds fun to events.


2. Communication – Dance can tell stories or pass messages, especially in dramas or festivals.


3. Celebration – Used to mark special events like harvest, coronations, weddings.


4. Religious Worship – People dance to show gratitude or honour to their gods.


5. Education – Dance teaches culture, values, and discipline.


6. Identity – Each ethnic group is known for its unique traditional dances.

1. Rhythm – The beat or timing that dancers follow when moving.


2. Movement – The action of the body such as jumping, turning, bending.


3. Space – The area used for dancing; dancers use stage or floor space wisely.


4. Energy – The force or power used to perform steps – it can be soft or strong.


5. Time – The speed of movement (fast, slow, or medium tempo).

1. Coordination – Using different body parts at once smoothly.


2. Flexibility – Ability to bend and stretch easily during dance moves.


3. Balance – Staying stable when dancing or moving.


4. Posture – Keeping the right body position while dancing.


5. Expression – Showing emotions like joy, sadness, or excitement while dancing.

1. Warm up before dancing to avoid injury.


2. Eat healthy food to gain strength.


3. Bathe and rest properly.


4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

1. The dance floor should be clean and free from sharp objects.


2. Dancers should avoid dangerous stunts if not trained.


3. Costumes should not be too tight or loose to avoid falls.


4. Water should be nearby to prevent dehydration.

Dance costumes are the special clothes or outfits that dancers wear when performing. They are usually designed to match the type of dance, the theme, or the culture being represented.

• Traditional dance: Ankara or Aso-oke with beads and wrappers


• Ballet: Leotards, tutus, ballet shoes.


• Hip-hop dance: Baggy trousers, caps, sneakers.


• Contemporary dance: Simple body-fitted costumes.


• Cultural festival dance: Local attire with feathers, bangles, or raffia skirts.

Props are objects or items used by dancers during a performance to help tell a story, add style, or make the dance more interesting. Props are usually held or used by the dancer, or placed on the stage.

• Calabash – used in traditional African dances.


• Walking sticks or staffs – for royal or elderly character portrayal.


• Hand fans or flywhisks – for traditional or ceremonial dances.


• Scarves, flags, or ribbons – for symbolic or colourful dances.


• Umbrellas – often used in festive or parade dances.


• Masks or face paint – for cultural or ritual dances.


• Musical instruments – like shekere, talking drum, or flute (sometimes used as props).

Dance is not only for fun or cultural expression — it can also be taken as a profession. A professional dancer is someone who earns a living by performing, teaching, or choreographing dances. In today’s world, people who are talented and well-trained in dance can build a successful and respected career from it.

A dance career means using dance as a full-time or part-time job. It involves learning, practicing, and performing dance for money, education, or service to the society. Just like doctors or teachers, dancers can be employed or self-employed and still earn a living.

1. Professional Dancer: A person who performs in concerts, movies, music videos, or stage shows, specializing in styles like ballet, hip-hop, traditional, or modern dance.


2. Dance Instructor or Teacher: Someone who teaches dance in schools, academies, cultural centres, or online platforms, helping students learn techniques and improve their skills.


3. Choreographer: A creative expert who designs and arranges dance steps and routines for performances in music videos, plays, ceremonies, and shows.


4. Dance Therapist: A specialist who uses dance to support people with physical, mental, or emotional challenges; this practice is known as dance therapy.


5. Dance Researcher or Historian: A professional who studies and documents the origin, style, and cultural significance of traditional and modern dances.


6. Dance Costume Designer: A person who creates special outfits and accessories that suit each dance type, allowing for free movement and visual appeal.


7. Dance Critic or Writer: Someone who writes reviews, reports, and articles about dance performances in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

To succeed in a dance career, a person must:

• Be creative and able to express emotions with movement.


• Be physically fit, with good strength, balance, and stamina.


• Practice regularly and remain disciplined.


• Learn from trained professionals or attend dance school.


• Be able to work with others in a team.


• Be confident and not afraid to perform in public.

1. Source of Income – Dancers can earn money through performances, teaching, or choreography.


2. Promotes Culture – Traditional dancers help to preserve and promote cultural heritage.


3. Entertainment Industry – Dancers are needed in Nollywood, music videos, and live events.


4. Education – Dance instructors help students learn discipline, rhythm, and confidence.


5. Tourism and International Exposure – Cultural dancers often travel abroad to represent their country in festivals.

1. Lack of support from society or parents.


2. Poor funding or sponsorship for dance training.


3. Inadequate dance schools or facilities.


4. Risk of physical injury.


5. Inconsistent income, especially in early years.

• Start by dancing in school clubs or community events.


• Watch professional dancers and practice often.


• Join a dance academy or group.


• Attend workshops and training.


• Record and share your dance performances online.


• Take dance exams or certificates if available.