DANCE IS COMMUNICATION

Dance has been defined as an art form that generally involves the movement of the body, often in a rhythmic way and to music. But dance, goes beyond movement of the body. Dance is a form of communication.

Likewise, all dances in Ghana communicate. The traditional dances like Adowa, Kpanlogo, Agbadza, Borborbor, Gahu, Gome, Kete, Atsiagbekor and even a contemporary dance like Azonto all are used for communication. The meaning of the dance is embedded in every step the dancer takes, the gestures with the hands and even the facial expressions.  I have always known this truth but I guess I didn’t really believe as I didn’t understand most of the dances I have witnessed.

I have seen most of these dances being performed on different occasions but very often I am unable to tell the meaning of the gestures. I am only able to tell if a dance is that of mourning or celebration based on the occasion. That story changed as I understood a whole story through dance.

Someone doing the Kpanlogo dance

It happened on the 11 October, 2013 at the Kama Conference Centre during the launch of the 2013 “Because I am a Girl” Campaign report. The event was dubbed “In Double Jeopardy: Adolescent Girls in Disaster Situations”. The dance was to depict the theme of the event. I had doubt because I didn’t believe anyone could depict such a theme through dance without having to say a word. I sat in my seat wondering how the dance would look like.

I was surprised or should I say shocked when the Global Arts and Development centre took over the podium, as they told a whole story which depicted the theme of the event through dance.

It was after that event, that I really understood the statement, "Dance is Communication".

Perspective: Dance as a form of communication