Adowa dance

Adowa is a dance by the Akan people of Ghana . It is a popular traditional dance in Ghana and it is performed at cultural ceremonies like festivals, funerals, engagements, and celebrations. The Adowa dance is a sign of expression that allows performers to communicate their emotions and feelings through their hands and feet. There are different hand movements performed for each setting. People communicate positive emotions at weddings or engagements and negative emotions at funerals.^[1][2]

Two young girls dancing Adowa

Adowa Dancer in Kente Cloth

An Adowa ensemble consists of a lead singer, a chorus, and percussion instruments. The leader and chorus are almost always middle-aged women, who accompany themselves with hand-clapping and/or a double bell (dawure) or a single bell (atoke).^[1]

Movements

Adowa dancers use symbolic language, with different hand movements telling their own story. This body language is accentuated by the use of a white cloth that they hold in their hand.^[1] In performing Adowa, the dancers mainly utilize their hands and feet. There are basic steps to this dance style. The performer first has to apply pressure and move his or her right foot forward. While performing, the dancer also ensures that there is an interaction with the drummer that is not obvious.^[3]