Dance Performance in the Entertainment Industry Comtemporarizing Ethnic Dances by Music Artistes in Focus
Student: Favour Oseremen Akhere (Project, 2025)
Department of Theatre and Media Arts
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
Abstract
Dance performance has been a vital element of the entertainment industry, serving as a powerful tool for artistic expression, cultural storytelling, and audience engagement. In contemporary popular culture, music artists increasingly incorporate ethnic dances into their performances, transforming traditional movement vocabularies to fit modern entertainment aesthetics. This study explores the process of contemporizing ethnic dances in the entertainment industry, focusing on how music artists adapt, modify and integrate these traditional dance forms into mainstream performances. Drawing on theories of cultural hybridity, performance studies and globalization, this research examines the significance of ethnic dances in shaping artistic identity and audience perception. It also investigates the role of media, technology, and commercial pressures in influencing the transformation of traditional dances. While this practice promotes cultural appreciation and global visibility, it also raises concerns about authenticity, appropriation, and the commercialization of cultural heritage. By analyzing case studies of notable music artists who have incorporated ethnic dances into their performances, this study highlights both the opportunities and challenges of contemporizing traditional dance forms. The findings suggest that while the fusion of ethnic dances with contemporary entertainment contributes to cultural innovation, it requires a balanced approach that respects the origins and meanings of these dance traditions. Ultimately, this research advocates for a responsible and informed approach to cultural dance adaptation in the entertainment industry.
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For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: akherefavour926@gmail.com
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