A Nigerian choreographer, Damilare Agboola, popularly known as TheDanceOga, in partnership with James Samuel, founder, Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, has held a programme, tagged Dance Beyond Sound.

It featured workshops, exchanges and a showcase to demonstrate how dance could be experienced and communicated beyond sound.

The programme ended with a public showcase at the Bariga Arts & Craft Centre, Lagos, where participants presented performances developed during the creative engagement.

TheDanceOga said the project was conceived to challenge the perception that hearing music was a prerequisite for participating in dance.

He said: “Dance Beyond Sound is about exploring the possibilities of movement as a language. We want to demonstrate that dance can be experienced, understood and expressed beyond conventional sound-based approaches.”

Participants engaged in workshops and collaborative sessions in a shared camp environment, where they explored various ways of interpreting rhythm, communicating emotions and coordinating movements.

The sessions focused on visual cues, bodily expressions, gestures and indigenous dance practices as alternative channels of artistic communication.

The organisers said the initiative was designed to create an environment where Deaf and hearing dancers could learn from one another without allowing differences in hearing ability to become barriers to creative participation.

They added that the project was also intended to encourage conversations about accessibility in dance education, choreography and professional performance spaces.

TheDanceOga, whose creative practice draws considerably from indigenous Nigerian dance traditions, particularly Bàtá, said traditional performance forms offered opportunities to explore the relationship between movement, rhythm and communication.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would develop beyond its maiden edition into a platform for nurturing Deaf dancers, encouraging inclusive choreography and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities in the creative industry.

The programme received support from Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, while The Hawk Foundation provided sponsorship towards its successful execution.

Among the facilitators and distinguished guests were Nigerian dancer and choreographer, Femi Adebajo; President of GOND Lagos Chapter, Obiajulu Ozegbe; Executive Director of The Hawk Foundation, Javeon Byrd; and inclusion advocate, Dr Akhere Akran.

The organisers acknowledged the contributions of the facilitators, partners and participants, saying their involvement enriched the programme and strengthened its commitment to inclusive artistic expression.

Beyond the performances, the initiative drew attention to the barriers that often limit the participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s performing arts industry.

It also challenged dance educators, choreographers, cultural institutions and arts organisations to reconsider conventional approaches to training and performance in ways that accommodate people with different abilities.

The organisers said the successful completion of the maiden edition represented an important step towards building a more inclusive creative environment.

They expressed hope that future editions would attract more participants, strengthen collaborations and promote greater recognition of Deaf artists in Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment industries. (The Nation)