By Wisdom Agbonta
Dancing helps the body and mind to relax as the music and surroundings take a dancer away from anxiety and frustration.
It can give inspiration, satisfaction and motivation. It does not only provide entertainment, but it helps to unite people from all ages, races and backgrounds.
The International Dance Day is a day set aside globally to celebrate dance. It was chosen by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (DCITI).
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The event takes place every year on the 29 of April, which is the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet. The day promotes participation in dance through events and festivals held on the date all over the world.
Edo State is rich in arts and culture as well as in songs and dances. These great people pride themselves in their colorful and royal dances and they continuously showcase their rich cultural heritage that have distinguished them as a people with honour and pride.
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has shown unwavering commitment to boosting the Arts, Culture and Tourism Sector of the
State as he has continuously created an atmosphere for it to thrive.
He sees the importance of the art form, its potential for economic growth, its value to the individual and the people at large.
Recall that the Governor launched the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage in the State to enable Edo residents, particularly youths to realize and fully utilize their potential. The people of Edo that are blessed with dancing talent as well as those that have interest in building their dancing skills, usually leverage the numerous opportunities at the Creative Hub.
The Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs assures that as it joins the rest of the World to celebrate this year’s World Dance Day, just as previous years, this year’s edition promises to be exciting, informative and entertaining.
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The World Dance Day slated to hold by 9am on Friday, 29 April 2022, at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage is an avenue for the people to showcase and promote their rich culture through dance.
As part of activities lined up for this year’s event, the Rosula Foundation will be partnering with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, to showcase and promote dance culture in the State by giving out handsome cash awards to best dancers in different categories.
There are several Edo traditional dances that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the people. Some of the common dances are the Ugho dance and the Igbabonelimhin dance.
The Ugho dance typifies the temperament and the elegance of the Bini woman and her aversion to clumsiness. In the dance, virtually only the hands and the feet move in cadence with the rhythm of the music. The Igbabonelimhin dance is an acrobatic, masquerade dance common among the Esan people of the State.
The Edo culture is not just their mode of dressing, singing, dancing and their delicacies, it includes their hospitality and generosity to all and sundry. As people come together from different backgrounds and cultures, they gain insights into the unique diversity of the Edo people, the melody of their songs and the dexterity of their dances.
The pride of Edo people is in their uniqueness as well as the richness of their culture and tradition. The great people of Edo create beautiful memories with their unique songs and dances.
