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Traditional Ghanaian Dances
Bamaya: This dance is typically performed by the people of Northern Ghana. This dance may be referred to as a “rain dance” as it is was originally performed in times of great drought. Originally the Bamaya was only performed by women but in modern times it is performed by men in women’s attire.
Male leader of the dance group explaining to our class the purpose behind his female attire.
Klama: This dance is performed by young women who are going through the process of Puberty Rights. Traditionally it was performed by a particular group of Ghanaians known as the Krobo. This dance focuses heavily on the use of hands and feet as well as dance steps to rhythm. Young girls are put through this dance usually during their menstrual period. This is because they will be wearing white dresses and the first girl who shows blood will be married to the priest. At the conclusion of the dance potential suitors who observed the dance from the side will approach the young woman and her family and ask for her hand in marriage.
Agbadza: This dance originated from the Ewe people of Ghana. The dance pertains to male and female partners who dance in synchrony with one another, arms, waist and feet all matching their partners movements. The dance was traditionally performed in times of war.
Young boys and girl performing the Agahu.
Agahu: is a type of dance associated with popular music from Ghana, Togo and Dahomey. Agahu was created by the Egun people who come from modern day Benin. In this dance two circles are formed, men are the outside circle and remain stationary with a bent knee and arms open for the women dancing in the inner circle to dance around, sitting on the males knees until the return to their original partner.
Young girls imitate the dance with shawls covering their heads to appear they are old enough to be courting.
Borborbor: People from the central and northern parts of the Volta region within Ghana modified this dance to their own style. Originally it was called the Akpese dance and was created by the people in Kpando. The dance is common in the popular Ghanaian music genre known as Highlife. It is considered to be a social dance and is open to free expression.
A Ghanaian dancing the Borborbor with Kate Coutherut from our class