The Role of Dance in the Nigerian Democratic Environment

Abstract

Once again Nigeria is making another attempt at democracy (a government of the people, by the people, for the people.) Previous attempts had failed due to many reasons. from the little seen of this new (and fourth attempt), one can see that lack of patience and the refusal to allow "the people ' to nave a say in "their government" cannot be ruled out as some of the causes of the previous failures. It has become very difficult for a country that has been dominated for so long by military rule to understand and bend to the demands and rules of democracy. Therefore, what the country needs fundamentally is democratic education. This we believe can be achieved through many means including the performing arts. This is why this paper examines and enumerates the role the dance medium of the performing arts can play in the Nigerian democratic environment. Over the years the medium of the dance art has not been adequately employed to make meaningful impact on the Nigerian society. More emphasis has been placed on using the dance medium solely as a means of entertainment. Audiences have in many cases, enjoyed, had great fun and relaxation after watching a dance performance but hardly ever had a message and a food for thought after.