Sunday 9 March 2014

Adowa; The story teller

Some people usually say that dance is the life of the African.  Most Africans believe that dance is a way of thinking, communicating, and generally a way of living. Dancing takes place at naming ceremonies, weddings, funerals, durbars, festivals and parties.
Two women dancing Adowa

One of the traditional dances in Ghana is the ADOWA dance. Infact it is my favourite dance. I love to watch this dance a lot. The Adowa dance is the most widespread  and frequently performed dance  of the Akan speaking people of Ghana. This unique dance is usually danced by men, women and even children.
A man and a woman gracefully performing the Adowa dance

The dance is unique because it most often uses a symbolic language. The way and manner in which the dancers of Adowa move their hands and legs always tells a story. The Adowa dance is most often performed at state functions. The dance is usually led  by a female who is referred to as Adowahemma. The dancers of Adowa are most often seen in nicely woven kente accompanied with gold ornaments such as anklets and golden rings and earrings.


A girl dancing Adowa


On other occasions, the dancers of Adowa are seen in simple cloths. The men usually have the cloth wrapped around their waist. It is so beautiful to watch this dance. The dancers are usually seen smiling throughout the dance. What interests me most is the way and manner in which the drummers happily play their drums to produce good music. The gong is most often played as well.

 Ghana's former President J.A Kuffour dancing Adowa with a woman



Whenever you visit Ghana, just tell any one you want to see the Adowa dance. If you are not able to attend an occasion to see it, the person can just give you a few steps.

Enjoy this wonderful dance in the links below…





 Kiitos... Am out!



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