Ethos and Pathos of Nigerian traditional dances: Conceptualising the Igiri dance of the Igbos

Abstract

Aesthetics in dance is what gives every dance its uniqueness. It can be applied in various ways and evokes different emotions in different peoples. Igiri dance is one of such dances that awaken tender emotions as well as expressing the fundamental value of the musical culture of a part of Igbo people of the South-East Nigeria. Unlike most dances found elsewhere within the globe, the Igiri dance is not accompanied by any physical musical instrument outside the human body. It is therefore a wonder that the dance evokes a tremendous appeal and patronage among the Igbos and beyond despite its a-cappella nature. Parody, elegy, comic, dirges and other varieties of poetic musical devices and nuances are employed in their different expressions during Igiri displays to drive home the various messages it conveys. A discourse was therefore generated as to the reasons the dance still occupies one of the central places in entertainment in the activities and functions of its practitioners and owners in the present age of advancement in musical instrument manufacture and use. Historical, discussion, and interview methods were used to generate data that provided the necessary information needed to advance a deeper understanding and appreciation of the dance. The paper concluded by proffering suggestions that could trigger further research and exposition of the music type to a wider world.