Challenges and Prospects Facing the Dance Ensemble

By: Michael Akenoo

The Ghana Dance Ensemble has its origin, as far back as 1962 when Osangyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah assisted by Nana Kwabena Nketsia and Professor Kwabena Nketia founded the institute of African Studies. The aim of the founding of the Institute of African Studies was to fan Pan Africanism to help Africans become aware of African values and traditions as the ideal to develop the African continent.

The pioneering members of the Ghana Dance Ensemble were thirteen boys and girls. Among the Kwakwa of the Dance Department of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon both of who have distinguished themselves in the area of Dance Ensemble, Professor Opoku worked tirelessly to introduce all forms of Ghanaian traditional dances and left behind a great legacy for the succeeding generations to follow.

The moment, the Ghana Dance Ensemble which is based at Legon under the supervision of the Institute of African Studies is led by a young and dynamic Director, Benjamin Obido Aryiteey, who assumed office in 2002 and has been consistent in his creativity to move the dance ensemble forward to achieve greatness and make an impact on both the local and inter- national scenes.

Mr. Aryiteey had his basic education at Osu Manhean 1 & 2 Middle Schools. He continued his education the Somanya Technical Institute. Having worked for some time and studying on his own to obtain the G.C.E. “O” and “A” level, he enrolled at the Dance Department of the School of the School of Performing Arts in 1979 and graduated in 1981 with a Diploma in Dance Studies.

He left for the US to pursue his post graduate studies at the masters’ level at the University of Arizona in 1995 and returned in 1997 to join the Department of African Studies as a lecturer.

After exploring into Ghanaian traditional dances some of the indigenous dances that he has introduced include Jara, Bamaya, Bla, Kple Aglange, Me ritual dance, Game, Damba, etc. he has also done choreographic work in the following dances; Solitude, Kusum Zahinle Dance of joy and sorrow, Parvar, Obrempong, Unity, Harmony Wasu and Jurney.

Among the numerous different roles of the present Ghana Dance Ensemble include performing during ceremonies of matriculation and congregation of the University of Ghana and other universities, including the private universities in the country. The Ghana Dance Ensemble also performs at state functions such as during the arrival and departure of foreign heads of state and other dignitaries in the country, opening of Parliament, etc.

The Ensemble also participates in international cultural festivals in Africa and Europe to showcase Ghanaian and African cultural values and traditions in the process.

Currently, how ever, the present Ensemble is working under some difficult conditions such as low numerical strength. The present number of the Ensemble in 25, while the ideal number required is 45, another problem facing the Ghana Dance Ensemble is space for rehearsals as the group has to share space with other departments of the School of Performing Arts.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Aryitteey observed that there is a need to put on tape the works of Professor Maware Opoku, the first director. He said there was also the need for sponsorship to promote the group to the outside world, which will help the Ensemble to raise revenue. He admitted that there was too much ignorance about dance among Ghanaians adding that many Ghanaians regard traditional dances as fetish and satanic.

He quoted Mr. A. K. Deku, one time Commissioner of Police and member of the National Liberation Council in 1967, as observing that “life is embrace with dance.” Mr. Aryiteey’s vision for the Ghana Dance Ensemble is to turn things around and make it one of the best on the African continent. This will depend, however, on the assistance that will be given to the organization.

In conclusion, there should be more financial support and investment in the Ghana Dance Ensemble to raise the image of the country on the international arena.

NB: The Ensemble also participates in international cultural festivals in Africa and Europe to showcase Ghanaian and African cultural values and traditions in the process.

*Source:

              Ghanaian Times          The Ghanaian Times              Saturday, February 20, 2010