American-Ghanaian choreographer Moses Frimpong, popularly known as Usher1Baby, has urged Ghanaian dancers and other Africans to take traditional dance seriously to help preserve their cultural heritage.
According to Usher1Baby, Ghana has a rich cultural heritage expressed through its traditional rhythms, stories, costumes, music and ceremonies. Hence, dancers have a responsibility to become custodians of the country’s cultural heritage.
“Traditional dance should not be something belonging only to the older generation or performed occasionally at cultural events. It should become an important part of the education and development of every serious Ghanaian dancer. If we don’t learn our traditional dances today, what are we going to pass on to the next generation tomorrow?”
In addition, he disclosed that Ghanaian dancers must understand where their movements come from before developing contemporary styles and taking Ghanaian dance to the international stage.
“For instance, Adowa, Kpanlogo, Agbadza, Borborbor and Bamaya, among the many other traditional dances, should be studied, documented, taught, performed and passed from one generation to another.”
This follows Usher1Baby’s belief that connecting contemporary dance with traditional foundations can help protect cultural identity and strengthen Ghanaian dance on the international stage.
