Dance is one of the best art forms of expression, stories and messages are told through this art medium. Igbo dance is an art, Igbo dance is an expression of culture, when it goes with those melodic chants and songs it showcases the beauty of the language of a people or a person.
Dancing is also known as an outlet for emotion, dancers are known to bare their soul on stage, the same way tribes and people express their culture through dance. It is not uncommon to see people dancing in celebration or thanksgiving.
The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are known for their cultural abundance. The Igbos are known to perform dances that express a broad range of emotions from frenetic dances to sad slow dance according to the occasion. These dances are used to convey stories of morals, conquer, celebration, etc
Across Igboland, each region has a dance to particular to them, like the Bende people of Abia State are known for their war dance displayed by able-bodied men, the people of Imo State and their waist dance are no less famous, Enugu people are known for their beautiful ogene dance, so other regions have dance steps that are unique to them.
People gyrate in order to celebrate, commemorate, or even to prepare for some ritual.
Six notable Igbo traditional dance constitute the following
- Atilogwu dance
The name ‘Atilogwu’ loosely translates to ‘is magic/jazz inside or involved’, the name is used to refer to the energetic prowess that is displayed by the dancer that is considered extraordinary and near impossible, hence, the reference to Jazz. Atilogwu is arguably the most popular of Igbo traditional dances, it is one of the most exported Igbo dances.
Atilogwu is a captivating spirited youth dance, that involves a lot of acrobatics and body movement. The nature of this dance makes it compulsory that it is only agile youths that can take part in it, it requires rigorous steps and energy-sapping steps. It involves flips and jumps and takes years to master.
Atilogwu is a fusion of five dances which include: Anam, Ogwulogwu, Anaku, Ochanja, and Adunjaja. For others, it is a combination of Mgbaga, Ogwulogwu, Otiokpokpo, Ochufulu, and Egwu-Igba.
It is performed during important occasions and festivals. It is said to have originated from the Enugu state region.
Egwu Ogene
- Egwu Ogene is a delectable leg work dance that originated from the people of the Northern Enugu region and some parts of Anambra. It is another popular Igbo traditional dance, it has been incorporated into several hip-hop music videos. Some call it the Achikolo dance.
It is performed to the sound of an ancient Igbo music instrument called ‘Ogene’. Even though Ogene is the main instrument, it is not the only musical instrument that produces the Ogene dance melody, other instruments make up the ogene music melodious tone. Ogene, Oja or Opi, Igba, Abia, Oyo or Ichaka, Udu, and sometimes Ekwe are part of the melody.
- Ikpirikpi ogu dance (War Dance) is Popularly known as ‘the Ohafia War dance’. Ikpirikpi Ogu dance is a war dance, particular to the people of Ohafia in Abia State.
It is a traditional war dance used to tell stories of men of valor in the olden days. The people of Ohafia during the ancient Igbo times were known for their brave men who sought war themselves. Their warrior tradition remains a fundamental part of them, hence, the Ikpirikpi war dance lives on. All Igbo Masquerades’ Names Listed And Described.
The war dance is performed by a group of muscular men led by a dancer carrying a basket full of skulls while brandishing a cutlass with a palm shoot in his mouth, the others follow portraying gestures of beheading, all dressed like fierce warriors. They display while dancing to their Akwatankwa musical instrument. It is usually performed during the celebration of great men.
Nkwa Umuagbogho
This traditional Igbo dance is peculiar to the Afikpo people in Ebonyi State.
Ngwa Umuagbogho is a dance step that is secluded to young maidens only, it is important to note that almost every Igbo community has a dance that is particular to their maiden but it goes by different names. Ngwa Umuagbogho is more popular than others.
It involves the gracious movement of the body by the maiden with vigorous shaking of the lower part of their body. The maidens flaunt their body in a seductive manner to show that they have come of age
Aku na eche enyi (Igba ndi Eze) This is a dance for Kings, Aku na eche enyi, also known as Igba ndi Eze is used to welcome/usher kings and titled men and women into occasions. It is also used to welcome special guests.
Mmanwu dance
This is a dance for the spirits, the Igbo masquerades. One of the most prominent features of Igbo masquerade is their dance skills, it still remains a mystery how they can dance with so much energy for a long period. Egwu mmanwu is not only performed by the masquerade, members of the secret societies/initiates perform this dance. It is a delight to watch masquerades perform.
Each masquerade have their unique dance step named after them; Egwu Ijele, Adamma.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku Obinwannem News Writer / Nov 19, 2021
