Dance Aesthetics and Cultural Implications: A Case Study of Ekombi Dance and Asian Uboikpa Dance

Abstract

Dance is an active tool in the society because it not only expresses the feelings and aspirations of the people but it also showcases the cultural values that are entrenched in the people's culture. Interestingly, our traditional dances possess all these qualities thereby making these dances an instrument of communicating social values. This study attempts to appraise the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances of the Efiks and Ibibios in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. It also tries to situate that these dances have huge cultural values that define the socio-religious beliefs of these localities. This study states that the growth of our traditional dances, especially the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances under review will rely on the ability of the choreographers to really understand the socio-cultural and religious standpoints of these dances.

Keywords: Dance aesthetics; Traditional Dances; Ekombi; Asian Uboikpa; Dance Education