Abang Dance: Radiance From the River and Efik Ideal of Femininity

Abstract

To dance is human, and humanity expresses itself in dance. Dancing interweaves with many aspects of life, such as art, communication, belief systems, social relations and political dynamics. Interwoven in Abang dances (figure 1) dances are three modalities: space, rhythm, and unity. Each of these modalities conveys its own distinct message(s) but interacts with each other to produce a specific form of dance as an expressive and communicative art. These modalities will be discussed later in this essay.