Nigeria is up there on the world map when it comes to entertainment. We have dazzled the world with our music and dance. There are many dances associated with each tribe in Nigeria. Before the advent of the street dances such as shoki, shaku-shaku, zankuand the rest, Atilogwuhas stunned the audience locally and internationally with its style. This kind of dance is native to Anambra state. The name, which is in Igbo language, means ‘having magic or bewitched’. It was called this name because the people felt one would have to take some magic potion to be able to perform the dance at high tempo.
BRIEF HISTORY
This is one of the oldest dances in Igbo land. It has been practiced by these people in their town. It was said that the dance reached national fame in the early 1940’s when a member of the Aguobu Iwollo travelled to Ebenebe in Awka (Anambra state capital) to learn about the dance. Before the dance became popular, dances such as the Ogwulogwu and Ubo Uya Kanga were the rave of the moment. This dance has enjoyed wide audience among which include Queen Elizabeth of England.
ABOUT THE DANCE
There is no dance without a beat so this kind of dance is aided by musical instrument such as drums (ekwe, udu), gong (ogene) and flute. The rate of the dance is usually directed by the flute player. The dancers wear colorful attires and caps like that of the Roman gladiators. Their legs are also adorned with colorful materials and brass which makes sound. It is performed by youth due to their exuberance as it requires a lot of energy.
Atilogwu takes time to learn so it is safe to learn from childhood to maturity. It involves a lift of body movements and the dancers are expected to be skilled in acrobatics. Atilogwu is performed by five to six people. It involves high jump, flips, twisting, climbing and falling down from a human tree (formed by the members of the group). Atilogwuis not just a dance; it is seen as an art form that can be expected to create happiness and well being among the people. You must have been learning one or two zankumoves, you can as well check out this dance which will keep you fit.
