Benue Cultural Dances

The people of Benue State are known for their proficiency in different scintillating and beautiful cultural dances. Among these dances include:

Aja

This is the dance form that has fast intricate dance steps, and flexible movements of the waist. It is a social dance, which is performed at all occasions and executed by young energetic boys and girls. Aja is popular among the people of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Ange

Anchanakupa

Agama

Aringa

Ajo

Akpan Chila

Agwi

Aketakpa

Agba

Atakakpo

Adeigbo Oode

Chough

Ingyough Dance

This is an acrobatic dance which symbolises bodily disfigurement caused by a disease ( Kwashiorkor ).

Ibumegh

The Ibumegh dance is an impersonation by jesters. The literal meaning of their type of dance is ‘foolish dance’. They also perform the activities of military personnel on parade. Men and boys perform the dance. The Achana Akupa group from Mbagen district of Buruku Local Government Area is now popularising the dance.

Iyua

Ivom

Ikpila

Ikpirigidi

Swange Dance

This is a contemporary dance characterised by serpentine movements of dancers.

Kureke

Odaboru

This is a new yam festival celebration dance from Idoma in Aila district of Ado Local Government Area. It is performed by youths who exhibit their skills in dance.

Okpirigidi

This is a kind of dance that is performed on occasions such as burial ceremonies, Alekwu festivals and naming ceremonies. It originated from Owukpa district in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.

Oto

Odarigbo

Odabaru

Odabane

Tomsule

Tembe Duen

Takera

Nyinya

Unaloko

Ukpobu