Earlier known as “Atamga” meaning “great oath” is an African dance form known as Agbekor. This “tribal” dance is said to have originated from West Africa, and is basically performed mainly by the “Ewe” and “Fon” community. In addition, it is also said to be performed by a community known as “Dzogadze” belonging to the Volta region in Ghana. Furthermore, this style dancing involves the use of a number of percussion instruments mainly the drums. Currently, this dance style is performed mostly during cultural events.
a. History/origin of Agbekor Dance:
Basically this dance form was created for a warrior, and was to be performed before entering the battlefield. It is then gradually over the years that it has evolved into a more social dance performed during ceremonies such as funerals.
b. Costumes used in the Agbekor Dance:
The costume worn by the performer (mainly male) includes a red cloth tied to the bare upper body and a colourful cloth wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body.
c. Music involved in the Agbekor Dance:
The instrument involved in generating the music for this dance style is mainly the drum. In addition, the music is accompanied by a song which basically comprises of lyrics that essentially revolves around local legends.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Agbekor Dance:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the performer pushing their chest stomach in the outward direction while at the same time thrusting their arms upwards and downwards. As for training centres/schools, there are none available throughout the world since this dance is exclusively performed BY the “Fon” and the “Ewe” tribal communities belonging to West Africa.