Lesson Note on Nigerian Dance Styles: Meaning, Space and Dance Patterns for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Music
Curriculum Theme: Dance and Movement
Previous Lesson: Baroque Period: Meaning, History and Characteristics.
Topic: Nigerian dance styles, specific physical exercises, use of space as a key component of dance, types of space.
Subject Matter: Meaning of Nigerian dance styles (traditional and modern dance forms in Nigeria), specific physical exercises (warm-ups, flexibility, coordination), use of space in dance (movement pathways, formations), types of space (personal space, general space), practice of special patterns (dance patterns and formations).

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define Nigerian dance styles, including traditional and modern forms.
• Identify specific physical exercises important for dance.
• Explain the concept of using space in dance.
• Differentiate between personal space and general space in dance.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the cultural significance of Nigerian dance styles.
• Show enthusiasm for participating in dance activities.
• Respect the personal space of others during group movements.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Perform proper body exercises and warm-ups for dance.
• Demonstrate effective use of personal and general space in movement.
• Practice various dance patterns and formations.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate effectively with peers in group dance formations.
• Interact respectfully with other dancers in shared performance spaces.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• New System Music for Senior Secondary Schools 2
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hKq-fF-7dI
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT123b7pW8Q

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Open dance space
• Drum rhythms or recorded music
• Costume samples
• Space pattern diagrams

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the cultural richness of Nigerian dance and the physical preparation required for it. It also enables pupils to effectively use space, which is important for performing and appreciating dance movements.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of simple body movements and may have observed various cultural dances in their communities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Nigerian Dance Styles, Physical Exercises, and Use of Space

Meaning of Nigerian Dance Styles

Nigerian dance styles are diverse forms of movement that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary influences. They include both traditional dances, which are often tied to specific ethnic groups and rituals, and modern dances, which incorporate contemporary music and movements.

The following are types of Nigerian dance styles:

• Traditional Dance Forms: These dances are usually communal, performed during festivals, ceremonies, or rituals. Examples include:
  • Bata dance (Yoruba)
  • Atilogwu dance (Igbo)
  • Koroso dance (Hausa)
  • Ekombi dance (Efik)
  • Swange dance (Tiv)
• Modern Dance Forms: These are often influenced by Western styles and contemporary music genres like Afrobeat, Hip-hop, and Street dance. Examples include:
  • Afrobeat Dance
  • Street Dance
  • Contemporary African Dance
  • Social Dances (e.g., Shaku Shaku, Zanku)

Specific Physical Exercises for Dance

Physical exercises are important for dancers to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination, which prevent injuries and improve performance.

The following are specific physical exercises for dance:

• Warm-up Exercises: Prepare the body for activity by increasing heart rate and blood flow. Examples include:
  • Head rolls
  • Shoulder shrugs and rotations
  • Arm circles
  • Torso twists
  • Leg swings
  • Light jogging
• Flexibility Exercises: Improve the range of motion in joints and muscles. Examples include:
  • Stretching (hamstring, quadriceps, calf stretches)
  • Splits
  • Bridge poses
• Coordination Exercises: Improve the ability to control body parts smoothly and efficiently. Examples include:
  • Rhythmic stepping
  • Hand-eye coordination drills
  • Balance exercises (e.g., standing on one leg)

Use of Space in Dance

The use of space refers to how dancers move within and interact with the performance area. It is a key element of dance composition and expression.

The following are ways dancers use space:

• Movement Pathways: The routes or lines dancers create as they move through space (e.g., straight lines, curves, zig-zags, circles).
• Formations: The patterns or arrangements dancers create when moving in a group (e.g., lines, circles, squares, diagonals, scattered).

Types of Space in Dance

Understanding different types of space helps dancers control their movements and interact with others.

The following are types of space in dance:

• Personal Space (Kinesphere): The imaginary bubble or area immediately surrounding a dancer’s body, which moves with them. Movements within personal space do not require traveling across the floor.
• General Space (Shared Space): The entire area where dancers can move and travel. This is the space shared by all performers.

Practice of Special Patterns and Formations

Dancers learn to execute specific movement patterns and arrange themselves into different formations to create visual interest and convey meaning in a performance.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Practical/Activity-based

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention any Nigerian dance styles they know. The teacher then introduces the topic: Nigerian dance styles, physical exercises, and use of space.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and mention various Nigerian dance styles. They listen attentively to the topic introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of Nigerian dances and are introduced to the lesson’s focus.

Step 2: Explanation of Nigerian Dance Styles

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Nigerian dance styles, distinguishing between traditional and modern forms. Examples of each are given.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes, asking questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and types of Nigerian dance styles.

Step 3: Demonstration and Practice of Physical Exercises

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher directs pupils through proper body exercises and warm-ups, including arm, leg, and waist movements. The teacher also demonstrates flexibility and coordination exercises.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils properly exercise parts of their bodies as directed and practice the demonstrated flexibility and coordination movements.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and perform physical exercises essential for dance.

Step 4: Explanation of Use of Space in Dance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of ‘use of space’ in dance, discussing movement pathways and formations. Space pattern diagrams are used as visual aids.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagrams, listen to the explanation, and contribute to the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how space is utilized in dance movements and patterns.

Step 5: Demonstration and Practice of Types of Space

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the difference between personal space and general space, guiding pupils through movements that utilize each type of space effectively.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice movements within their personal space and then move into general space, distinguishing between the two.
Learning Point: Pupils practically understand and apply the concepts of personal and general space.

Step 6: Practice of Special Patterns and Formations

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice various special dance patterns and formations using drum rhythms or recorded music.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the various special patterns and formations, working individually and in groups.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in executing dance patterns and formations.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define Nigerian dance styles.
2. Mention two traditional and two modern Nigerian dance forms.
3. State three physical exercises important for dancers.
4. Explain the concept of ‘use of space’ in dance.
5. Differentiate between personal space and general space in dance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of dance as a cultural expression and the need for proper physical preparation and spatial awareness. The teacher assigns homework to research a traditional dance from their ethnic group.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assigned homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are given a task for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

• Traditional Dance – Dances passed down through generations, often linked to culture and rituals.
• Modern Dance – Contemporary dance styles influenced by current trends and music.
• Warm-up – Exercises done to prepare the body for physical activity.
• Flexibility – The range of motion in a joint or group of joints.
• Coordination – The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.
• Personal Space – The immediate area around an individual’s body.
• General Space – The larger area shared by all dancers.
• Movement Pathways – The lines or routes dancers create as they move.
• Formations – The patterns or arrangements of dancers in a group.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to choreograph a short movement sequence using different types of space. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide one-on-one guidance during practical exercises and simplify movement patterns.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure the dance space is clear and safe for movement. Encourage active participation from all pupils, regardless of their prior dance experience. Emphasize the cultural significance of the dance styles discussed and promote respect for diverse cultural expressions. Play appropriate music to set the mood for practical sessions.