Ajágęęrę Èjìòkú: Dance as Selfassurance in Human Social Formation

Abstract

This paper aims to reinforce the benefits of dance in human social formation. It argues that natural recreation (dance) has helped man to overcome inhibitions and dangerous situations in his environment. The study therefore argues that dance is a crucial element in human culture, and a builder of confidence. The paper from a pragmatic point of view uses the folkloric allegory of Ajágèère Èjìòkú (a prolific dancer of Èjìòkú-Ibadan) in ascertaining dance as a panacea for survival. Conclusively, it proposes to look at dance in relation to human culture emphasizing the interrelatedness of dance and music; dance as social inclusion, dance as a healthy attitude and dance as idiom of statement making in a society. Data for the paper comprises of primary sources such as oral evidence, archival materials, and secondary sources like books, journal articles and other documentary materials.