The Choreographic Structure of Yoruba Cultural Dances: The Example of Obitun Dance

Abstract

The choreographic structure of the dances of a cultural society or group is often an index of their preferred public image and outlook, and also an index of their worldview. However, almost none of the works written so far on different cultural dances in Nigeria has made the choreographic structure of such dances the subject matter of their works. This paper attempts to fill this gap in research by examining the Obitun dance of the Ondo people in Nigeria, as an example of the choreographic structure of Yoruba cultural dances. The paper examines the form, style, costume, make-up, song and musical accompaniment of these dances. The paper observes that there is an urgent needfor more studies of this type to be carried out on other cultural and traditional dances in Nigeria to allow for a comprehensive overview of the corporate image dispersed through their choreographic patterns.