DANCE AS A MEANS OF CULTURAL EXPRESSION

ABSTRACT

This project was aimed at finding out how culture could be expressed through dance. The Ugho dance of the Benin people was used as a case study. Ugho is a royal dance which originated in the royal palace of the Oba of Benin in the Ancient Benin Kingdom during the reign of Oba Ewuare 1(1440AD). In writing this thesis, library method was used in gathering relevant literature which provided adequate information for the study. Oral interview was also carried out. In the research work, it was discovered that culture can be effectively expressed through dance gesture, body movements etc. Subsequently, useful recommendations were suggested. The work suggested that the dance must be passed from generation to generation to preserve cultural heritage. It also encouraged upcoming theatre practitioners and managers to undertake similar project. Furthermore, it should be incorporated into school curriculums in a way that enhances the pedagody of theatre education. The aforementioned are a few suggestions in order to improve the Ugho dance of the Benin people.