|
TM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All articles, images and photographs on this website are the copyright of Nzinga Dance unless otherwise stated. No material may be copied, transmitted or reproduced without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. |
|
||||
 |
 |
| Copyright Nzinga Dance | |
| Adzogbo (Benin) War dance of the Fo (Dahomey) nation, depicting skill of warriors. The first part, Kadodo, is elegantly performed by women. The second part, Atsia, is perfrmed by men displaying agility and power. Agbadza (Ghana, Togo, Benin) One of the most ancient dances in West Africa, Agbadza was originally a war dance but is now a recreational dance performed at funerals, festivals and other social gatherings of the Ewe nation in the Southern Volta region of Ghana. The word Agbadza means 'dance for all' Atsiagbekor a.k.a. Agbekor (Ghana, Benin, Togo) Sacred war dance originally known as Atamga ('the great oath') referring to the oaths taken by the Ewe nation before going into battle. Fast paced dance evolving into stylish, energetic movements depicting the combat of the battlefield Bammaya (Ghana) Dance of the Dagomba nation of northern Ghana, originally performed to end drought and induce a bountiful harvest. In the past Bammaya was performed by men who wore women's costumes, however of late this dance is also performed by women. The distinctive hip movements are said to shake mosquitoes away. Bawa (Ghana) Energetic harvest dance of the Dagarti nation in northern Ghana Bélé (Creole Caribbean) This spiritual African Creole dance is mainly seen in Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Trinidad and St Lucia, although versions performed in other Caribbean (mainly Creole) islands. Kpatsa (Ghana) Dance of the Ga-Adangbe depicting the story and uneven manner of walking of a 'dwarf tribe'. Tokwe (Ghana) A dance of the Ga-Adangbe people of Ghana.marking the transition from child to adult. Fume Fume (Ghana) Energetic, spiritual based dance of the Ga nation. Gome (Ghana) Fishermen dance of the Ga nation, showing the lively welcome and celebration when fishermen return with a good catch. |
Bongo (Trinidad) 'Wakekeeping dance performed to send the spirit home to rejoice, and to cheer the bereaved. Gahu (Ghana) This dance has its origins in Nigeria, created there by migrant workers from Ghana. It is a 'money dance'depicting the beauty and status of merchants Gota (Benin) Dance of the medicine men of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey, this mystical dance is highlighted by the synchronised stop/start movements adding to the excitement of the dance. Kalinda (Carriacou & Trinidad) Stick dance of the 'Battoniers' (combat men), danced by men with women spurring them on. At one time Kalinda was banned due to group rivalry and performances denigrating into free for all battles resulting in sometimes fatal injuries. Similar versions can be seen in other Caribbean islands and parts of South America. . Kpanlogo (Ghana) 'Hi-life' music & dance style created in the 1960's in Accra. Controversy initially surrounded Kpanlogo but it eventually gained acceptance and remains a very popular social rhythm. Kumina (Jamaica) Spiritual and religious Dance and Drum style most commonly practised in the parish of St Thomas. Kumina ceremonies are normally associated with Wakekeeping, but Kumina can also be performed at thanksgiving events. Kumpo (Senegal) The great spirit Kumpo protects boys during their rite of passage. Following this transition from boy to man 'Kumpo' is danced by men and women, in celebration. Isukuti (Kenya) Dance of the Kakamega nation performed mainly during festivities and ceremonies. Isukuti has beautiful songs, which emphasise and praise community leaders and heroes. Kalela (Zambia) Kalela depicts the welcome shown to villagers who had been forced to go into the towns to find work, to support their families. Kalela movements mimic working life, the dance style of European colonials encountered in the city, and the joyousness of families on return of the workers. |
 | |
 |
 |
 |
 |